Beyond the Bricks: stories of hope and resilience in Bangladesh by Anwar Ehtesham
In Bangladesh's rapidly urbanizing heart, there is an untold story about resilient workers in the brick fields.
Bangladesh’s construction industry is booming, driven by the housing and communication sectors, and demands a vast supply of bricks. With over 7,000 kilns contributing 1% to the nation's GDP and employing over a million people, brick production surged to 32.4 billion annually between 2017 and 2019. However, outdated manufacturing methods such as the Fixed Chimney Bull's Trench Kilns (FCBTK) pose environmental threats. The government is now modernizing processes to mitigate these impacts. In addition to ecological concerns, the lives of the labourers reflect a story of resilience. These men and women form the backbone of the industry. They work gruelling 12-hour shifts under harsh conditions, earning meagre wages (BDT 600-800 for men and BDT 400-600 for women) and working only six months a year. Their work includes labour-intensive tasks, from soil preparation to firing bricks in kilns. They live in makeshift homes near the kilns, enduring poor living conditions without basic amenities.
Despite these hardships, the spirit of the labourers remains unbroken. Ms Halima, a 60-year-old labourer, is an example of this resilience. Despite her daily toil, she always wears a smile and shows generosity, even when she has little herself. This resilience and kindness reflect the true strength of Bangladeshis, often overlooked by photographers who focus on poverty. Despite challenges such as limited access to basic necessities, the ability to smile amidst adversity is a testament to the people's unyielding spirit, inspiring pride in their resilience and hope.
