The Disposable Life Club
Like nomads in a concrete jungle, these workers come from far away places to earn a living doing things that could well cost them their lives. These are the ‘Development Workers’ of the capital, Dhaka. I have been following a specific group of workers specializing in this kind of construction work, especially the piling part of laying a foundation of a structure. Within a span of about 30 months one died a horrible death at work and two have sustained serious injuries. The reason their job is labeled ‘high risk’ is as absurd as their reason to work. The job is risky simply because cash rich companies who execute multi million dollar contracts are not willing to invest in safety gear. The group I have been following consists of about 20 people. Living conditions of these people is far worse than life in any village in Bangladesh. However, the workers risk their lives and face unbelievable hardship to make money that will earn them respect back in their village and help them sustain a healthy agro based livelihood. They camp on-site at the construction area in makeshift hovels with tattered bamboo mat walls, usually a single latrine and roughly laid bricks for a floor. Once the camp is established, duties are divided amongst them. Two most important posts in the group are that of a the cook and of the supervisor. The cook is required to work with the construction workers and then take time off to cook for everyone. But the post of the supervisor affords him luxuries no one in the team has. He does not work the construction; he is responsible for the collection of money and its distribution. The group I have followed consists mainly of very young workers, usually between the ages of 18 to 24 years. They have often shared their thoughts with me in their leisure hours that are spent watching television channel broadcasts through cell phones or listening to loud music. I have found that through all this trouble and hardship their thoughts are usually with thei
Size: 4752px × 3168px
Location: Uttara New Sector Bridge, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Photo credit: © Tahir Hasan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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