In Bangladesh, over 7,000 brick kilns contribute 1% to GDP and employ a million people. From 2017 to 2019, brick production surged to 32.4 billion annually. Traditional methods harm the environment, prompting modernization efforts.
Laborers work 12-hour shifts, earning BDT 600-800 for men and BDT 400-600 for women, for only six months a year. The process involves soil collection, molding, air-drying, and kiln firing. These workers live in makeshift homes without basic amenities, facing uncertainty as many kilns are set to close.
While talking to Ms. Halima, a 60-year brick field laborer, works from 4 am to 4 pm carrying coal. She lives in a nearby slum with no family and endures many hardships. Despite this, she welcomed me with a smile and shared her story, asking for my prayers.
On a return visit, she offered me lunch, showing incredible kindness despite her own scarcity. Other laborers also showed generosity by offering tea and biscuits.
While Bangladesh is often depicted as poverty-stricken, this overlooks our resilience. Despite limited access to basic needs, our positive outlook and ability to smile amidst hardships fill me with pride and highlight the strength and beauty of our people.
Location: Amin Bazar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Time: February 2024
Photographer: Anwar Ehtesham
About the author: Anwar Ehtesham
“I am a hobbyist Street and Documentary Photographer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It wasn’t until 2019 that I took the decisive step, acquiring my first camera in November of that year. Initially drawn to landscape photography, I eventually found my niche in street and documentary photography, despite my initial shyness and nervousness. With a keen eye for capturing the essence of humanity, I formed a community of like-minded street photographers, fostering confidence and creativity while exploring the city’s hidden corners. For me, the interplay of people and their surroundings defines his artistry, encapsulating various emotions and behaviors in the frame. My dedication towards street and documentary photography have earned me recognition in esteemed international photography magazines such as Street Photography Magazine, The Pictorial List, Spectaculum Magazine, ProgressivE-zine, F-Stop Magazine, and The Business Standard, etc. solidifying my place in the photography world. Additionally, my photography has gained recognition on Instagram and Facebook through features in multiple photography communities. While drawing inspiration from a multitude of renowned photographers, Steve McCurry and Fan Ho remain my most cherished and profound influences.”
Website: anwarehtesham.com
