Just few days ago i was in dublar char with magnum photographer abbas. It was really exciting and same time boring experience for me. Abbas is almost 60 and i am 24. He didn't like to talk. But we Bengali people use talk much, loud. But i learn many things from him..........I asked him what is your suggestion to a young documentary photographer? He said just have a good pair of shoe. Ha ha.... With this trip I have stated a new project on water.
Dublar Char- A hell for children
Home to a thriving seasonal fishing industry Dublar Char and its neighbouring small islands are also temporary homes to hundreds of child workers. Organized gangs either traffic or lure them to these islands which include Dublar Char, Alor Kol, Meher Ali, Tiar Char and Dimer Char in Rangabali area in Bagerhat. The workers including children are forced to work day and night in inhuman conditions to keep the seasonal fishing and fish processing industry running for about five months. "We had no fixed place, no bed or pillow and even no time to sleep," stated Tariqul Islam, a fisherman. These islands are not easily accessible because of their remoteness, bad communication and lack of security. Once captured and taken to these islands, the children do not have any scope to escape other than to work hard. They are forced to do the most hazardous tasks in the industry. They are engaged in building makeshift houses, sorting fishes, washing and drying nets, cooking, cleaning the fishing boats, procuring firewood, carrying loads and packaging. Despite their hard work for months, these children virtually get nothing in return.
Regards,
Wasif
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Munem Wasif
Photographer
DrikNEWS International News Photo Agency 16, Sukrabad, Panthapath, Dhaka- 1207, Bangladesh.
www.driknews.com
www.lightstalkers.org/munem_wasif
E-mail: driknews@gmail.com,
Tele: 880-2-9136894, 8801713180020
