The New Nation - Internet Edition

Loud whistles of launches and sand trawlers, dots of indigenous boats ferrying passengers from one bank to another, sewage and waste pipes oozing out poisons and pollutants; people bathing or fishing; laundrymen washing clothes in the dark murky

waters; industries belching out fumes-River Buriganga

beside Bangladesh's capital city.

Amongst this hustle and bustle a handful of men in groups have formed an ingenuous method to commence on a new form of trade. To overcome exploitation and cut down their expenses these men pitch in money to buy small, locally made engine boats which they man themselves to ferry bricks from across the River Buriganga to feed the growing appetite of the country's construction industry. Each trip is valued at Tk 250 per 1000 bricks. Since the owners themselves are the crew and the labours the cost involved is minimized while the profit margin is maximized.

Dhaka without the bounties of River Buriganga is unimaginable; for centuries this mighty river has nurtured the city's very growth. Even today thousands of people thrive on its banks depending on it for their livelihood. With various industries on either of its banks, migrants from all over the country come here with hopes of prosperity and survival.

The numerous slums on the fringes of the river serve as homes to these boat owners cum sailors and their families. In spite of the polluted water, threat of eviction, illegal land grabbing and lack of sanitation these people have formed a haven for themselves amongst all the hardships. True they do not earn enough to provide formal education and other facilities for their children yet they are at least able to survive here.

This photo story explores their life of hard labour, existence within the family circle and their hopes for a better future. As day labours their lot would have been far worse than what they now enjoy. At least they can be together as family through all the thick and thin. With a roof on their heads and food in their stomachs they regard themselves as the lucky ones.

Text & photos by Azizur Rahim peu / DrikNEWS