ONE RIVER, MILLION LIVES

Photo: Mohammad Ponir Hossain

Buriganga is the river that made and sustained Dhaka. The once-mighty river played a major part in the creation of a trading hub over 400 years ago. It has tremendous significance from both environmental and economic perspectives. Sadarghat Launch Terminal, on the bank of Buriganga, connects the capital with the rest of the country through waterways. Apart from that, the river banks accommodate diverse communities. It provides shelter and livelihood to scores of destitute and climate refugees who migrated from different parts of the country with hopes of changing their fate. It also becomes a source of recreation for children from these underprivileged communities, who swim in it. Though the water of Buriganga is now tar black and poisoned by toxic waste, dirt poor people living by the river are forced to use this water for their everyday needs, as they have no access to alternative resources. Though the government has taken steps to save the river, mismanagement and lack of public effort hinder the preservation efforts.

PHOTO AND TEXT BY: MOHAMMAD PONIR HOSSAIN