The New Nation - Internet Edition

Ship breaking yards situated by the River Buriganga in Dhaka is one of the largest industries of Bangladesh.

A large community of workforce has developed surrounding this industry. The children of this community aspire to develop their lives here. Workers at the factories dream that their children will grow up and help them in this trade. Therefore, a lot of children can be seen working alongside with adults.

Mojid, Noor, Shadin, Babu, Yusuf, Sohel, Shiplu, Mojid, Rony, Munna and Belaal- all work in different factories of this industry. They have travelled with their parents to Dhaka from various parts of the country. They dream of developing ship breaking skills here so that one day they can make it big. At this tender age when it is time for most children to get an education and spend in childhood games, they have been forced to use heavy tools to earn a livelihood.

Some children start work here from the age of four or five. For the first few years being apprentices they do not receive any salary. Only after they have learnt the skills they start getting paid Taka 30 to 50 dollar a month. They grow up to be hard workers in a hazardous environment. But because of the lack of education they fail to attain their true potentials.

Photo & Text: K M Asad

Text Edited By: Humaira Fatima / DrikNEWS