In contrast to mere fiction, Helal’s work represents reality in an alternate space. In Open Stage (2015), he portrayed people from the Dalit Community in Old Dhaka, seen as outsiders and of a lower caste, ever present in the streets, but “invisible” because of their work as cleaners. In Hijra (2011), Helal documented the transgender community of Hijra in the Shyampur slum in Dhaka. For Speak, Lokal, he photographed the series Runaway Lovers (2016), which offers a glimpse at inter-religious couples. In Bangladesh, people of two faiths are required to get married according to special laws. Sometimes one partner converts, leaving behind their own religion and religious community. Threats of murder, suicide, honor killings, and estrangement invariably follow these couples. But they brave it all out to be together. The runaway lovers are looking to live together, to love and coexist, thus setting an example for larger society.