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Check FAQAbout Zakir
A Visual Journalist based in Bangladesh working with Climate Change, Human Rights, Social issues, Child Labor, Transgender and Public Health, etc. Work published in TIME, The Guardian, Telegraph, The New Humanitarian, Wall Street Journal, Paris Match, Mirror, etc.
Bengali
English
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Portfolio
Postcards: Without land, Bangladesh's Manta people live
The Manta people of Bangladesh, displaced by river erosion and climate change, live on boats along the Meghna and Tetulia rivers. Their nomadic lifestyle, driven by the need to follow fish populations, leaves them without access to state services and vulnerable to natural disasters. Despite government efforts to provide housing, many Manta reject these offers due to their distance from fishing areas. Experts emphasize the need for sustainable solutions to support these communities as climate change exacerbates their challenges.
Without land, Bangladesh's Manta people live - and die - on boats
The Manta people of Bangladesh, displaced by river erosion and climate change, live on boats along major rivers. Their nomadic lifestyle makes them invisible to government systems, depriving them of basic rights and services. Increasingly severe weather and overfishing further threaten their livelihoods. While some government aid is available, it often falls short of their needs. The Manta community calls for solutions that provide stable, land-based living conditions while allowing them to maintain their fishing livelihoods.
In Bangladesh, Cyclone Amphan's scars linger amid climate change woes
The article discusses the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan and subsequent monsoon floods in coastal Bangladesh, particularly in the Khulna district. It highlights the enduring damages and the struggles of the local communities who are still living in temporary homes or emergency shelters. The embankments that protect the region from tidal waters were destroyed and have not been repaired, leaving the area vulnerable to daily floods. The series of disasters has led to economic hardships, increased child marriages, and a pattern of migration as families leave in search of safer living conditions. The article also touches on the broader issue of climate change, suggesting that it is intensifying extreme weather events like Cyclone Amphan and contributing to the challenges faced by coastal populations.
In photos: The widespread threats of melting Himalayan glaciers
The Hindu Kush Himalayas, known as the 'Third Pole' due to their extensive glacier coverage, are experiencing rapid melting, with projections suggesting only 37 to 49 percent of glacier mass will remain by 2100 if global temperatures rise 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This melting is altering the hydrological cycle, affecting water supply for communities and potentially impacting farming, sanitation, and drinking water. Locals, including Domi Sherpa and Anu Sherpa, have observed significant climatic changes over the years.
Hunting for water in flood-prone Bangladesh’s drought-ridden hills
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeastern Bangladesh, climate change has led to severe water scarcity, affecting 1.6 million residents. Deforestation and resource mismanagement exacerbate the problem, forcing women and children to travel long distances to collect water. The situation has led to increased expenses for bottled water and a rise in waterborne illnesses. Local officials and NGOs call for greater government assistance to address the crisis.
Without land, Bangladesh's Manta people live - and die - on boats
The Manta people of Bangladesh, who live on boats due to land loss from river erosion, face challenges exacerbated by climate change and overfishing. Displaced generations lack access to government services, and the community calls for housing and identity cards to enable education for their children. With over 30 million people displaced by natural disasters globally in 2020, the Manta's plight highlights the urgency of finding solutions for those affected by climate-driven displacement. Government programs exist to aid the Manta, but issues like mobility and access to livelihoods complicate the situation. The Manta seek a balance between land-based stability and proximity to fishing areas.
The women on Bangladesh’s climate front lines
Coastal Bangladesh, particularly the Khulna district, faces severe impacts from climate change, with women bearing the brunt of these challenges. Frequent storms and rising sea levels exacerbate issues like saline contamination, making it difficult to access fresh water and grow crops. Women often have to travel longer distances for water and eat less during food shortages. Health risks, such as hypertension in pregnant women, are linked to saltier drinking water. The article highlights the resilience of these women and the ongoing efforts to rebuild and adapt, despite the continuous cycle of destruction and hardship.
The water crisis in climate-vulnerable Bangladesh
In southwest Bangladesh, residents like Tuli and her family face severe water scarcity due to increasing salinity in surface water, exacerbated by climate change. The region's vulnerability to natural hazards such as cyclones and rising sea levels has led to significant health issues, including hypertension and water-borne diseases. The American Geophysical Union predicts that by 2050, rising sea levels will force 1.3 million people to migrate. Organizations like UNICEF highlight the dire impact on children's health and development, with many families already displaced and struggling to access clean water and maintain their livelihoods.
Stories that explore locally driven humanitarian action on the front lines of the world’s crises
In Pirojpur, Bangladesh, farmers are utilizing an innovative agricultural technique known as 'dhap' to combat the severe flooding caused by monsoon rains. This method involves creating floating rafts from water hyacinth plants, allowing crops to grow even when the land is submerged. Photographer Zakir Hossain Chowdhury captures the resilience of these farmers who rely on their floating gardens for up to eight months of the year. While the government and NGOs like the UK-based Practical Action support the expansion of this practice as a climate change adaptation strategy, experts caution that more research is needed to understand its long-term viability, especially in the face of other climate threats such as drought and soil salinity. Despite the challenges, for local farmers, floating gardens are a crucial means of survival and livelihood.
Climate Vulnerable Bangladesh
After Tazreen Fashions and Rana Plaza, Covid-19 once again exposes the human cost of fast fashion
The Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted the global garment industry, with Bangladesh, the world's second-largest exporter of ready-made garments, experiencing significant job losses and financial hardship. Brands like Topshop, Hema, and TJ Maxx have been criticized for not paying for completed orders, leaving many workers without wages or severance pay. Despite government stimulus packages, many workers face reduced hours, pay, and unsafe working conditions. The article highlights the ongoing struggles of garment workers, many of whom are women, and the inadequate support from factory owners. Aid from trade unions, NGOs, and international bodies like the European Union provides some relief, but the situation remains dire for many workers.
In Pictures: Bangladesh on the frontline of climate crisis
Bangladesh, with a population of 160 million, is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, facing severe threats such as displacement in its southern coastal region due to rising sea levels and unpredictable weather. The country has been hit by 70 storms from 1990 to 2018, and recent cyclones Fani and Bulbul have caused significant crop damage. A UNICEF report from April highlights that 19 million children in Bangladesh are at risk from climate-related disasters.
Flooding in Bangladesh - in pictures
The article reports on the devastating impact of the second flood within a month in the Kurigram district, where people living on small islands have been rendered homeless. The floods and landslides, which were a result of heavy rains in 2015, have claimed at least 21 lives. The situation is dire as the floods have caused rivers to swell and roads to be flooded, leading to starvation among villagers due to the scarcity of food, relief goods, and drinking water.
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