Politics in Bangladesh is as indefinable and shapeless as ever. The general citizens always expect stunning events in politics. Stakeholders of politics prefer to maneuver like stunt man through risky climaxes and capricious events. Intellectuals and civil society, movers and shakers of one-eleven, after staging dramas of high hopes and tall talks now are on the defensive retreat. Lethal results of municipal election put these elements in cognitive dissonance, now shifting their blame from politicians to the public. The powerhouse holding the steering of our politics has been as enigmatic as ever, subcutaneously lurking in politics, dangerously silent. With this backdrop and before the curtain of currently played drama finally drops, on the stage appears Barrister Rafique-ul Haq, the voluntary legal counsel of the two most celebrated defendants of corruption charges – Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda. His rhapsody, not too lyrical but in cold-bold-crude words, ‘sit together and discuss national issues or face dire consequences’, has been percolating through every layer of the nation. The crux corralled support of intellectuals, civil society, merchants, journalists and professionals, even of Khaleda Zia, swinging the nation with fresh surge of euphoria amid few feeble voices of dissents. Talk show idols are busy canvassing it as the ultimate magic balm to straighten the dog tail. Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmood has sent a passionate plea to two leaders to transcend above parochial partisan issues and unite. So did M. Hafizuddin and other titans. The guarded response of Sheikh Hasina put her on the foreground of the dissidents. Borhan Kabir and Barrister Shafique are among other few skeptics.

Let us focus on the brighter side of the wood, skim our history and simulate our journey to future of national unity. We ask our two leaders to raise themselves above their party lines and offer them an elevated level garden like Babylon to stroll or air-walk into national issues. Bangalee or Bangladeshi - leave behind trivial national identity issues and move forward, secularism or evangelized - set aside touchy religious issue and march forward. What about 1971 – rise above this thorny, bloody divisive incident and charge the light brigade, high, higher, up above 1952 – garden of Eden of national consensus – 1947. The journey will be a cakewalk for rejuvenated Khaleda, impossible for visually and hearing impaired Hasina. Let us leave her behind. Neo-national unity symbol Khaleda makes ground breaking pilgrimage to Tungipara and peppers flower on the grave of Sheikh Mujib, in the same air streams back to Shere Bangla Nagar and sprinkles flower on Zia’s grave. This is the beginning of a new chapter of reconciliation and reconstruction of our nation. From now on a monumental birthday cake and a somber press note will bedeck August 15.

Human mind is capable of anything, capable of holding villain and hero with equal esteem. It is further capable of transforming a wishful thinking into a national agenda. How it will work in the national context, we can envisage, yet to see, until dust settles.

On 11th of September Sanlu first defended that “their milk powder has no problem” then announced a recall of its products. Global Voices reports:

“By estimation, the tainted formula amount to 700 tons. Not until this moment were millions of babies protected from the deadly dairy products. There are over 30 thousand potential victims (in china) predicted from Sanlu’s influence in domestic market.”

Three children already died till yesterday and the number of sick children has risen to 6200. Chinese state-run media announced that 21 more companies were found producing milk powder tainted with melamine.

A New Zealand media reveals that:

“SanLu knew six months ago that babies were becoming sick as a result of drinking infant formula containing melamine - a chemical banned from food.

A New Zealand dairy Giant Fonterra, which owns 43 per cent of SanLu and has three directors on its board, also knew of the contamination for six weeks before a public recall, which began only after the New Zealand Government blew the whistle.”

Global Voices quoted a Taiwanese blogger:

“Before the Olympic Games, China government gave orders to cover all the reports that might destroy the image of China. The Sanlu Group discovered the contamination just before the Olympic Games, and we can see the China government chose to let their people die so that they can keep the positive image of China.”

“The Sanlu Group claimed that the melamine found in their powdered milk was added by the dairy farmers and milk dealers to meet the nitrogen standard after they added water to dilute the milk. However, not everyone believes their claim.“

25 tons of powered milk products manufactured by the Sanlu Group were exported to Taiwan this August and it created a lot of panic in the country.

And Bangladesh should also worry because AP reveals that:

State broadcaster CCTV reported on its Tuesday evening newscast that One company, based in the southern province of Guangdong, exported its products abroad — to Bangladesh, Yemen, and Burma.

The Bangkok post informs:

“Two Chinese firms where tests found tainted milk products had exported baby formula milk powder to five countries including Bangladesh and Burma

The Suokang and Yashili companies had started to recall their exported milk powder products, which were also sent to Yemen, Burundi and Gabon, said Li Changjiang, the head of the State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).”

We are yet to see any Bangladeshi media asking questions about this import. The Chinese milk powder imports may be hard to locate if they were imported loose and later packed in another label. Some months ago a milk powder consignment of Abul Khair group was detained because their expiry date overrun. We have seen in TV reports that the consignment was packed in large sacks to be repacked in local brands.

Arup reveals that the popular brands of Fronterra, the major shareholders of Sanlu are:

Anchor and Anlene are famous brands in Bangladesh. So there should be a nationwide awareness campaign to demand from the sellers the origin of the milk and to stop consuming non-trusted baby milk.

I hope the Bangladesh Government will take immediate action to withdraw the milks imported from China from the market and ban future imports until everything is sorted out.

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Rezwan [http://rezwanul.blogspot.com] is often referred as “the dean of Bangladeshi bloggers” for his authoritative contributions towards setting the blogging agenda in Bangladesh. Blogging since 2003 on Bangladesh and the world. Portrays Bangladesh and Bangladeshis beyond the typical headlines published in Western Media.

Past Formula

Present Formula

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Arifur Rahman is one of the promising cartoonists in Bangladesh.

The 1/11 turnover was propagated as an attempt to change the political system. We heard a lot about the war against corruption. Many big shots were detained using the emergency acts. Some were corrupts, some were not; some were guilty of abetting the corruption. The people thought that they will see justice and accountability now. The judiciary, the lawyers got busy and the rules of law were tested. But in the end the caretaker government backed by the military could direct them whichever way they wanted. They tried to introduce reforms in the parties through some dissent leaders which eventually failed. No third force emerged.

These events had some positive sides too. We have heard some breathtaking confessions by Giasuddin Al Mamun here and here and Abdul Jalil and Sheikh Selim’s confessions also implicated some top leaders.

And the negative sides included the much discussed minus two formula to keep the dynasty leaders out of the country. Now what we are seeing is “manage two formula”. These jailed politicians are coming out in the open and charges are being suspended. What will be the fate of those corruption charges? Will the people of Bangladesh ever see rule of law prevailing and punishing the corrupts? Only time will tell.

The Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina was released months ago under special arrangement (not directly a bail) for better treatment. Mockery of rule of law persisted in the process.

BNP’s senior joint secretary general Tarique Rahman (Zia) was released today according to a court order granting his bail in all the 13 cases for better medical treatment. He was arrested one and a half years ago on charges of corruption, including extortion. Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar (BNP) said the release “reflected the rule of law”. However, would a common detainee ever have the chance to be released like Sheikh Hasina or Tarique? The rule of law is equal to everyone is a myth.

Why was the government forced to release Tarique Rahman? Reports alleged that he was being tortured and virtually was paralyzed. It is not lawful to torture people on custody and everybody is innocent until proven guilty. So these acts are of course deplorable and Tarique Rahman also deserves better treatment like Sheikh Hasina.

Was he a victim of the unlawful menace his party created? Human Rights Watch reported in 2006:

“The government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in power for the two-and-a-half years covered by the report, has defended RAB killings by saying the victims were ‘wanted criminals’ or ‘top terrors’ who died when they resisted arrest or were caught in ‘crossfire’ between the force and criminal gangs. But a year-long investigation by Human Rights Watch found that many suspects died in RAB custody, either after being tortured or by an extrajudicial execution.”

The government was under pressure because of the recent agitations after a rumor that Tarique was seriously injured, where that was only a freak accident in Bathroom.

Today’s incidents tell about a bad omen that is embarking in this country. Three BNP leaders were heckled by the waiting crowd in front of P.G. Hospital where Tarique is admitted now.

Barkat Ullah Bulu was being insulted by the pro Khaleda supporters

Ehsanul Haque Milon was being insulted

Photos by Rehman Asad

These leaders were accused of showing dissent and being members of the reformer group led by Abdul Mannan. Ehsanul Haque Milon tried to save him by calling a press conference that he was not a part of the reformer group as if they have done capital offense. These attitudes show that those who questioned the dynasty powers will not be let unpunished. They will have their revenge against them for having different opinions in the party. Is this democracy they are practicing?

People will soon forget what Giasuddin Al Mamun told in his confessions about Tarique’s corruption:

“Tarique Rahman remained away from business involvements because of his full-time involvement in politics. However, behind the scenes, he would support Mamun in his business and in securing commissions. In exchange, Mamun would provide Tarique with money for his personal expenses. And a large percentage of the money illegally earned by Mamun, using his links with Tarique, sent to Tarique for his personal and political expenses.”

Soon there will be propaganda that Tarique Zia’s alleged support for militancy was all a lie.

Soon all those who supported a change in the party will be beaten by the hard liners. There will be no difference of opinion, there will be no accountability.

We have seen in Pakistan that PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari (Benazir Bhotto’s husband) nicknamed Mr. 10% for his earlier conviction of corruption will be running for presidency soon. Nawaz Sharif is still facing corruption charges. But he will also be a strong candidate.

The recent city corporation elections showed that the charges of corruption is not material to the Bangladeshis. They love dynasty rule and they will do everything to forgive the charges against them without asking much and soon bring them back to power.

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It is an E-Bangladesh report.

This project aims to compile an insightful reportage on the condition of some 350, 000 internal migrants who are currently employed in the shipbuilding and repairing industry situated on the banks of River Buriganga, Bangladesh. This industry has recently been in for a boost due to exposure to the international market. These workers, who are hardly aware of their rights, are all day labourers. Work in these boisterous, bustling centres of activity is usually conducted in traditional manual form– no proper machines, safety gears, health precautions, no training or access to insurance or health plan. Living conditions are as makeshift as one can imagine. While the industry is changing face by leaps and bounds, with no organization private or public to speak for them or to address their grievances these life-bloods of the ship building industry have experienced no change in their lot. This work is an endeavour to address their unsaid and unstated demands— their rights to a better life.

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Azizur Rahim Peu[www.arpeu.com] is the Editor of DrikNEWS.

Recently he released his first two animated cartoons in his Facebook space. The first one is named as “A Flower”:

And the second one is named as “A Sky Crash”:

The cartoons tell us lot of things about our life. You will be amazed to watch them.

It is important to encourage him to keep going with his normal drawing activities and to bring him in normal life.

Please share your messages to him in the comments section.

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Sushanta Das Gupta is the Editor, E-Bangladesh.

Tattered and torn bank notes can be easily exchanged for new ones even outside commercial banks for a certain amount of commission. This is a common practice on the busy streets in the Gulistan area of the capital where men, who have been in this business for over 25 years, openly exchange the damaged bank notes for a charge of 10% commission.

Nobody from the Bangladesh Bank Authority can avoid the responsibility to take proper steps to stop such type of illegal business.

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DrikNEWS, an independent body of Drik Picture Library, aims to cover news photography and investigative reporting by disseminating both locally and internationally through the web.

But according to the human rights watch organization Odhikar’s report, it was not a mere incident of shoot out but a cold blooded murder. Tapan’s brother Akash, who was also killed in a similar fashion later, told Odhikar that “RAB personnel raided Tapan’s house at dawn and shot him dead at close range,They shot Rikta in the head and feet who was also in the house, leaving her dead at the scene.

Rikta’s mother said her daughter was involved in the business of ready made garments and sarees, and there was no case filed against her at any police station. But why did the RAB kill Rikta? May be to ensure that no traces were left behind of their brutality, insensitiveness and their audacity,

According to Ansar Ali, a village policeman, Rikta’s dead body also bore evidence of struggles with her persecutors. It seems that the poor girl did not gave up easily, she fought for her life and alas, she had no God, no Goddess or any sensible law abiding personal in this elite force who never for a moment had thought, what they were doing was illegal, who would feel for that poor girl, would do something to help her. What the trained state authorized killers did was to kill her in a cold blooded fashion.

They are too much proud with their elite tag and they just don’t give a damn about those people who are paying those trigger-happy killers to keep them safe and to protect them. Even though they did not confirm whether Rikta was the wife of Tapan Malitha but they believe her to be a close associate of that notorious criminal and thats why may be it was alright to kill her.

After Odhikar’s report was published, the Police Chief of Kushtia Sadar, Badrul Uddin Sarkar said, “Well at times it happens like that……… ten innocent people might get killed while we try to nab one notorious terrorist” And Captain Mahmud of RAB 12 was quoted by bdnews24.com. “RAB had to get to Tapan at any cost, we had no way out but to kill 10 innocent men in the process”.

Torturing and killing people by law enforcing agency are not an unfamiliar phenomenon in South Asia. Bangladeshis experienced such brutality and killing during its struggle for self determination and liberation in the late 60’s till its freedom in 1971, by the then Pakistani government.

Bangladesh has had a police force ever since its liberation in 1971, it has also had its share of “Special Forces” – elite law enforcers usually employed to thwart the activities of not only criminals but also ultra-left parties and other voices not tolerated by the regime.

First of the elite force was Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini [JRB] which came into force at February 1st 1972.Awami League Government allegedly used it against political opponents. JRB became infamous for extra-judicial execution of about 30,000 leftist opponents, even though there is no official record to prove such claim, till its absorption into the army by a gazette notification dated October 4th 1975.

In March 2004 the ‘elite force’ of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), was created, with the assignment to investigate any offense on the direction of the government and has exclusive jurisdiction in this regard. It can investigate and work for all security purposes. As an elite law and order enforcement agency it has a special focus on curbing organized crime and eliminating ‘top criminals’.

It now seems that the best way to get rid of the top criminals is to kill them in cross-fire. The official press note is always the same, just the names change, The events take place when RAB and police would take a criminal in search of weapons or hide outs and suddenly his companions start shooting at them, intervening their acts of duty, and eventually that unfortunate man dies because he was in the line of fire. This demonstrates the utter powerlessness of the citizen of Bangladesh in the face of extrajudicial killings that is being taken place in Bangladesh.

There are also an alarming number of deaths in RAB custody and few of these can be interpreted as explicitly political. The police have also been killing people in the name of ‘crossfire’ for last several months. According to Odhikar’s documentation, 738 people were reported killed in ‘crossfire’ between June 24, 2004 and December 31, 2006.

76 persons died in jail custody and 6 persons died in police custody in the year 2005 and 62 persons died in jail custody and 12 persons died in police custody in the year 2006

Bangladesh police can perform well if it is founded on valid organizational principle, but unfortunately the out dated Police Act which was enacted in 1861 has given the opportunity to those people in power to abuse and misuse the Police on their own will and interests. Because the government has the authority to exercise superintendence over Police, Bangladesh Police has no institutional and other arrangements to insulate themselves from the undesirable and illegitimate control, pressure and influences.

But the people in power ruthlessly violated the organizational principle of police that resulted in a corrupt and highly politicized police force. Most of the time police was used as a weapon to control and eliminate political opponent.

Let us not bother about the execution performed by RAB and Police in the year 2005 and 2006, because for most of that time they were under an elected government and they, like all other governments in Bangladesh, tried to abuse and misuse the Police and other law enforcing agencies to get rid of their oppositions.

After January 11 2007, we have a military backed care taker Government, who claims that they are working hard to build a society based on social Justice, and according to the report of Odhikar, extra judicial killings continued throughout the 16 months of emergency rule. Between 12 January 2007 and 11 May 2008, 207 people have reportedly been killed by Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies. Among them 103 people were killed by RAB, 74 people were killed by Police, 04 People were killed in RAB- Police joint operation, Joint forces killed 07 person, Army killed 07 person, Navy killed 03 person, Jail Police, Coast Guard, Forest Guard, Bangladesh Rifles, and department of Narcotics control killed 09 person.

In these reported killing, 149 were the victims of ‘cross-fire/encounter/gunfight/shootout’, 34 were tortured to death, 13 were shot to death in circumstances other than ‘cross-fire/ encounter/ gunfight/shootout’ and 11 were killed in other circumstances.

But in fact they are acting like a totalitarian Government, who wants the complete control over its citizen rights and thoughts. So they pressurized electronic and print media to refrain from reporting news or comments critical of the Government. State intelligence and other factions regularly reminded those journalists over telephone to portray positive image of the Government, if they fail to comply with their demands they might face negative consequences.

The Government declared that it had the power to ban or attach conditions on broadcasting so called “provocative news”, documentaries, talk-shows and discussions critical of the government under powers given to it by Article 5 of the Emergency Powers Rules 2007.

From the outset of the August 2007 curfew, the military-backed government declared that journalists would be exempt from its restrictions. Nevertheless, there were widespread, deliberate and organized beatings of journalists by the law enforcement agencies.

Even if Government publicly condemns physical assaults on journalists by its law enforcement agencies, by its attempt to censor media, individual members of the law enforcement agencies is encouraged to breach journalists’ rights.

In 2007 at least 35 journalists were reportedly injured, 13 journalists were arrested, 35 were assaulted and 83 were threatened. 13 legal cases have been filed against journalists and 1 journalist’s house was attacked, 1 journalist was reportedly forced by the Bangladesh Rifles to sign an agreement that he would not publish any news without their prior permission.

Looks like our law enforcing agencies turned into the most organized crime syndicates in our country. Just pick up any local or national news paper at any given day, you will find one instance of information some uniform member had done some thing that is an offense by the law.

The saddest fact is we fear them. We are afraid of them. We tend to keep away from police and other law enforcing agency and this is quite an obvious fact because instead of serving people they demand money for their service, they ask for bribes and they some time forcefully take away all your possessions.

The reputation of our law enforcement agency specially Police and RAB is not good, in stead of upholding the law they utilize every opportunity the get to break this decorum and spread panic among the ordinary people.

Even if they claims, those people who were killed in the so called crossfire, encounter, exchange of shooting, are wanted criminals, but being the member of a law enforcing agency doest not give them the authority to kill people without trial.

I doubt if we count the number of killings by the uniformed law enforcing agencies and also count the number of killings by the un-uniformed criminal, it might happen that killings of the uniformed personnel would outnumber the killings by the un-uniformed criminals.

Behavior of law enforcing agency when their law abiding cover wear offs, Odhikar conducted two fact-finding missions regarding the killings of Ward Commissioner Dulal of Charfashaion Upazila (20 February 2007) and Farid (21 March 2007) of Tazumuddin upazilla of Bhola, under custody of local naval force. The copies of the reports were submitted to the Chief of Naval Staff for information, enquiry and necessary action. Odhikar’s Acting Director ASM Nasiruddin Elan was taken to the Naval Headquarter on 3 May 2007 where a Naval Intelligence Officer with his 3 other associates intimidated and harassed him for preparing those reports and threatened to kill him.

Odhikar’s Kushtia based Human Rights Defender Hasan Ali who carried out a number of
fact-finding missions on extra judicial killings was taken into Kushtia Sadar Police Station on December 4, 2007, where he faced severe physical assault from police.

They are becoming the gang member of uniformed criminals and they don’t have any accountability to public. Their loyalty is only to the people in power. The existing police ordinance does not mandate the police to function as a professional and service oriented organization. There is no existing outline objectives and performance standards and there is no independent mechanism to monitor and inspect police performance. As a non-government agency some human right agency does this job limitedly but their were suggestion by the experts to make Police more humane and more people oriented, but the saddest fact is the long awaited new Police Act may not see the light of the day during the incumbency of the present caretaker government.

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Rasel Pervez, prominent blogger in Bangla blog sphere who is famous for his political analysis. Mr, Rasel Pervez completed his MS on Physics from the US and awaiting PHD.

No wonder that the ‘Prothom Alo’, which is publicly established as ‘the parliament’ of this military-backed Government, killed the letter and labelled it red to uphold their so called credibility just to regulate their corporate interests for the time ahead.

But ‘unfortunately’ the letter and the scandal are now flying in the open. Because Dr. Anwar Hossain published it on 28 July in Chittagong while giving a speech to the general people and freedom fighters who gathered to form a human chain in front of the Shaheed Minar demanding the trial of the war-criminals of 1971. It was organized by ‘Ekatturer Ghatok-Dalal Nirmul Committee, Chittagong. The human-chain was a memorable event, because freedom fighter Sheikh Mohammad Ali Aman, who was recently assaulted by the followers of the collaborators of the liberation war for telling the truth about their activities, had participated.

[Speech of Dr. Anwar]

And though the Government have done nothing to console the brave freedom fighter, Dr. Anwar Hossain gave him the honour by disclosing a short description about the corruption at the Chittagong Customs House by some army officers. As we were being told by him, a packet was delivered at his office at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Dhaka University. It contained the copy of the letter sent by an employee of the Chittagong Customs House.

In the letter the sender(s) says that a group of Army officers who were given the responsibility of reforming the Chittagong Customs House were engaged in severe forms of corruption. The group is led by Brigadier General Nasir Hasan and includes Major Tarikul, Major Quddus, Captain Arif, Captain Moyeen, Captain Delwar etc. This group has already collected over 15 crore Taka from various businessmen, importers, stock holders and CNF Agents of Chittagong in the form of ‘chada’ or extortion.

The long letter told the story about how the face of the crusaders against the corruption has been fading away. It also recalls the nightmares of the past, the long army regime who turned corruption in to the form of an institution. The army-corruption in Chittagong Custom House is in fact tip on the iceberg! We don’t know what the reaction of Gen. Moyeen U Ahmed, his neutral Caretaker Government and their domestic parliament, named ‘Prothom Alo’. But people were really happy to see Hossain’s way of honouring the freedom fighter Aman. He congratulated him for being in the centre of the collaborators like the war days and telling the whole truth about their activities and demanding their punishment.

Dr. Anwar took it as a good omen as people are reacting. But alongside Anwar warned about the Governments real intentions as their recent activities show as if they are actually protecting the war criminals. If so, Aman was only an instance, because a million Amans are there who would do anything to uphold the true spirit of 1971. And the consequence will be vague.

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Sushanta Das Gupta is the Editor, E-Bangladesh.

We are not respected by anyone because we are sweepers. But in truth we are not sweepers; we should be called CLEANERS- Joshna Rani Das.

Residing in a ‘sweepers’ colony’ at Tikatoly, Dhaka many like Joshna Rani give vent to years’ of suppressed emotions. This colony, a five storied building, alone houses nearly 210 families. With an ancestry which can be traced back to Kanpur, India, the residents of today’s sweeper’s colony had migrated to Bangladesh more than 300 years ago with hopes of finding a better prospect of life through good jobs. However, the colonial British government channelled them into the trade of sweepers. Since then this has been their profession. Today they work as cleaners for Dhaka City Corporation. Life at the sweeper’s colony is really eventful with non-stop activities—while some prepare to go out to work others return from it. With different work schedules the colony never seems to sleep. Superimposed on this is the myth concerning their negative social role, cultural and religious activities which alienate them in the social context. In fact theirs is a segregated world with a strong social taboo against the inmates. In plain words, mistrusted and misjudged by most people they are regarded as social outcasts.

A fact that is evident from the words of Rajesh, a graduate who has recently completed his IELTS exam:

Please don’t take my photo; if the photo is published I will have to face lots of problems with my friends and the people who know me outside this colony.

Taboo or not these people are part of our society and their contributions over the years cannot be denied. Their necessity cannot be denied even in this age and time. All they require of us is what they rightfully deserve in return for their services: acknowledgement, appreciation and above all respect.

Sweepers have no retirement age no matter how old he or she is. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. April 27 2007,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

A new born baby is by birth a sweeper because the baby is born into sweeper family and must carry on the family tradition. There are very few who can manage to change their profession. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. March 27 2008 ,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

In spite of their financial limitations the residents of the sweeper colony try their utmost to contribute to all kinds of rituals and festivals. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. February 11 2007,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Pets are great favourites among most of the families. In leisure time they play with animals as a means of entertainment. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. February 11 2007,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

"Darkness has been the most dominant feature of my life. For me the light at the end of the tunnel has always been far from accessible," Pallamma sums up her struggles for survival after her husband's death. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. April 27 2007,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Common washing space for all sweepers: bath, wash, household cleaning, every thing in a common space. In this colony there are a total of four wash spaces like this one for the needs of all the families. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. December 15 2006,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Women immersed in buying trinkets and jewelries from street sellers. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. April 08 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Food for pets is always available even though the family is running short on sustenance. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. March 10 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Living spaces in the colony is so limited and congested that in most cases to avoid congestion people have to use public spaces for their personal work. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. May 30 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

A common space where the residents of the colony wash their dishes and takes bath. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. April 11 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Mother feed her child. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. April 18 2008.Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Due to lacking of playground the children of this colony play in the congested balcony of the building. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. March 27 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

In this colony they have no facilities for health treatment especially for the old and the young. To avail these facilities from outside is often too expensive. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. April 22 2008.Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Dove breeding is a common hobby of many members of the colony. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. April 25 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

‘Holi’- children rejoice themselves. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. March 27 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Sound pollution even during the night time is a dominant problem for these colony dwellers. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. April 25 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

They have to marry within their own communities. Choices from outside the community lead to ostracization of the couple and their families. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. February 13 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

Children of the colonies involved in their juvenile games. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. May 08 2008,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS

With the passage of time the question that confronts this boy and other members of his generation is as complex as to be or not to be. Should they follow the trade of their forefathers or will society accept them in any other profession? Tikatoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh. May 21 2007,Photo:Amdadul Huq/*Drik*NEWS.