Pollution is what I had in mind and what is very evident when I started visiting Sadarghat (Launch Terminal) one of the largest river ports of the world located beside the river Buriganga (old ganga) and one of the four rivers surrounding Dhaka City. The stench of the brackish water of the river was as overwhelming as the street urchin smile when he asked me if I would kindly take his picture. I did - and moved away from my key goal of capturing the story of pollution.
Rather I followed him to a group of them collecting the discarded condiments, plastic water bottles etc conveniently thrown in the river by the passengers of the launch beside the vendors and all.
Thirty or more groups of children survive by collecting the collectibles. Then there are dealers who purchase their merchandise from their makeshift store under overpass or bridge beside a chain of buyers to recycling.
With remarkable precision they sort their ware, sometime happy with their collections, and boys being boys they frolic around their self-employed jobs. I was at a loss trying to comprehend the great danger of the pollution but at the same time I am glad about our disregard for cleanliness, which conveys food for them. They were very outspoken when I took pictures of them eating. Probably they were ashamed of what they were eating. But one thing I am sure about that they will be happy to share whatever they can afford with anyone and me.
Reflecting on the title of my story I thought about pollution, child labor, orphans, street children even catch – 22 Buriganga – then in conclusion I decided to keep it untitled.
Footnote: Moderator Joe Young of visibly talented group asked me: If money is the root cause of all evil ? I would say No. More or less every one has or use money. The majorities are no evil. This little child has no money but she cares enough to share her modest portion. I would rather say it is the perception of the money, which is the root.
