Stories from Bangladesh

Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahid al-Alam is remembered for his sensitivity and ability to capture both ordinary and extraordinary moments in Indian history. He photographed prominent figures like Mother Teresa and Indira Gandhi, and was adept at working in both color and black and white. His work is described as having a tactile element. His portfolio features a amount of black and white photography alongside contemporary pieces. His legacy includes diverse subjects ranging from historical landmarks to contemporary scenes. He maintained traditional craft principles while utilizing modern tools like the iPhone for high-quality imagery. His work was noted for its ability to produce large-scale blow-ups. He remained passionate about the quality of digital imagery throughout his career.

Rohingya populations are facing increased displacement due to fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. Civilians are caught in the crossfire of the conflict seeking independence for Rakhine State. Many displaced individuals are moving toward the Bangladesh border. Many displaced individuals are being housed in deteriorating former school buildings. Others are living outdoors in makeshift shelters with corrugated metal roofs on beaches. Displaced populations are currently dependent on support from NGOs and UN agencies including the UNHCR and IOM.

The Rohingya, originally from Myanmar, are living under difficult conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh and Indonesia. They face oppression and persecution in Myanmar, where their citizenship has been revoked and they are not officially recognized as an ethnic minority. In addition to military persecution, the Arakan Army, fighting for an independent Rakhine state, also does not recognize the Rohingya. In Malaysia and Indonesia, initial solidarity has shifted to skepticism and rejection. Rohingya refugees in Indonesia are housed in former schools, with organizations like UNHCR and IOM providing support as they lack official recognition. Many hope for asylum in a third country, with young Rohingya seeking vocational training and employment, which is currently unlikely for most.

The UNHCR reports over 900 accidents involving Rohingya refugees attempting to cross the sea to Bangladesh and other neighboring countries last year, the highest number on record. One recent incident left 250 people missing. The journey is perilous, with refugees often at sea for weeks in overcrowded boats, leading to a high mortality rate, described as the highest globally for refugee movements. These maritime journeys involve simple, unseaworthy vessels.

Mobile telephony and internet services in Bangladesh are under threat due to shortages of fuel and electricity. The instability poses a significant risk to the country's digital connectivity and communication infrastructure. This development follows ongoing resource constraints in the region. Continued conflict could lead to 45 million additional people facing severe hunger. The Financial Times reports Bangladesh faces risks from the triple pressure of fuel, food, and declining remittances. Foreign workers in the Gulf region remit over $100 billion annually to their home countries. Many workers are returning home due to uncertain economic recovery timelines, impacting South Asian nations particularly hard.