Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh has held a special place in my heart after working there for 3 months over a decade ago. The people are some of the most hospitable I’ve ever encountered, welcoming you with a smile and regularly offering you a tea or seat for a rest. Being offered things even by those that have so little is a very humbling experience.
For street photography, it can be tough not to be overwhelmed by the volume of stories. Unsurprisingly, the capital of the most densely populated country in the world is full of life. Everywhere you look, around every corner and down every alley, there are stories. There’s also a thriving local community of street photographers in Dhaka. We were lucky to meet some of them and one of them (Sadat), generously took us around some of his favourite spots and provided some important context to the things we saw.
While initially, the noises, smells, sights, dust and heat were an attack on the senses, it is surprising how quickly the mind and body adapt. The food is also incredible. Back home in the UK Indian/Bangladeshi food is an occasional treat. In Dhaka, we got to enjoy it every meal, every day, and it tasted just as good, if not better.
Narrow alleys, tea stalls a plenty, the hustle and bustle of life and stories all around; Old Dhaka was one of our favourite parts of the city to explore. One moment we’re wandering down a small street in the Hindu District (Bangladesh is a mostly Muslim country) where they’re preparing for the Holi celebrations and then we’re surrounded by lawyers enjoying tea/smoke/coconut breaks outside of the criminal courts.
While the city is a very camera-friendly place, being a strict Islamic country it’s important to be culturally aware and respectful at all times, and sensitive to those struggling in poverty.
