I have to be brutally honest when I admit that I had very little preconceived expectations when I arrived in Bangladesh.  Outlining my plan to travel from Rajasthan to Kolkata it made logistical sense to finish my journey across the subcontinent in nearby neighboring Bangladesh: another stamp in my passport, another feather in my cap.  When I discovered that I could find a cheap flight with Air Asia from Dhaka to Kuala Lumpur I quickly pounced on an advance seat sale.  What I never would have expected was that my only regret about coming to Bangladesh was that I didn’t schedule a longer visit.
It’s impossible not to compare India with Bangladesh. Â Although India is exceptionally diverse from region to region it does share certain similarities across the board. Â When I arrived in Bangladesh it was a whole different story.
As a potential tourist destination it is well off the radar and one rarely encounters other backpackers or travellers.
I found this presented numerous opportunities to interact with locals in more genuine and sincere manner. Â People were literally in ‘awe’ of my presence as I roamed the hectic quarters of Old Dhaka.
I was greeted by locals of all ages and at certain given points in time I had a large following trailing behind me.  I’ll never forget that experience as long as I live.
One quickly notices that Old Dhaka is a bustling hive of activity dominated by male driven labor. Â I didn’t make a typo here. Â In stark contrast from India, where bright saris were seen around every corner, the streets of Bangladesh were littered with men performing blue collar tasks. Â Even the main Buriganga river nearby the Sadarghat was equally as hectic.
The following photo essay captures some of the most candid moments I encountered on the street.
A Bangladeshi man carries a large basket on his head supported by only one arm – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A Bangladeshi man gracefully carries an empty basket in one hand that is larger than his entire upper body – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A Bangladeshi man firmly grasps a bulk collection of brightly coloured fabrics tied together in a bundle – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A group of Bangladeshi men haul a heavy load on a cart – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A group of Bangladeshi men wander down the side walk carrying big empty baskets – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A man crouches down beside a collection of cables spread out across the ground – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A man pounds together and moulds ingredients with his hands – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A close up perspective of a cart (from behind) with a man pulling on it – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A massive crowd of local Bangladeshi men gather amidst the announcement of a street side sale – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Two men push and pull a cart filled to the brim while another man sits comfortably on top of the load – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A close-up shot of a man hauling several live birds in both of his hands – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A makeshift bicycle turned into a rickshaw bares the weight of a heavy load that appears to be way beyond capacity – Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
A man sits high atop of a large load on a rickshaw as a man in front of him is burdened with the task of moving everything forward.
can’t stop looking at your photos..
another country in my bucket list!!
I enjoyed your pics of street scenes.. Jus’ arr here more south in Chittagong / the street scenes are soooooo “out of the norm” even for a 40 yr traveler & Globe Trotter.. Actually the first day I visually gawked rather than shoot the chaotic street & open market scenes sooo abundant & explosive w/ the most intricate cloth weaves / heavenly colors worn by all ages of man-woman-child…homemade bicycles burdened w/ mountains of loads of mixed cargos, free roaming cows, ricks shaws, rickyty-shack store fronts, lumbering public buses….capt/drm
Great shots, you are really good at finding interesting angles and vantage points. I especially like the ones of the man crouching behind the rusty cables, and the rear view of the man pulling a cart. I love photos like this of busy street life, but I’m shy about taking close-ups of people and also a little fearful of using my DSLR (I tend to use my point and shoot in busy places). But these are an inspiration!
Thanks Cassie! It can take a bit of courage to start doing that but once you get the hang of it you’ll feel much more at ease 🙂
It always amazes me just how stark the contrast is between countries with cheap labor/manpower and those that do not/have advanced technological infrastructure to automate.
Hey Alex, it sure does provide a stark contrast! Almost like other planets or something 🙂
Never had Bangladesh on my list of places to see, but now I do! Your photos sell the place (that and the appeal of going somewhere not many tourists do…).
Thanks Heidi 🙂 I’m hoping this post (and others I have scheduled) will inspire people to go and check it out.
I just want to get outside with my camera now! Gorgeous Sam.
As always some really great pictures of people doing their thing. Love the shots that play with focus. Although I have really no interest in traveling to that part of the world, some lovely shots of it.
Stunning shots! You’ve really captured a feel with this essay – I found myself lost – a good thing! -Veronica
I think when I finally get to go here, it will be a surreal experience. Thank you for the great shots for inspiration.
It sounds like Bangladesh, apart from the hustle and bustle of Dhaka, is a nice place to visit. Given its status as an ‘out-of-the-tourists’-radar’ country, I guess there won’t be any tout or scam.
Interesting images make oneself think. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve always been interested in visiting Bangladesh. It sounds like my kind of traveling. Really great photos!
Thanks Christy, as an experienced backpacker I think you’d love it. I found it to be a very refreshing and unique experience.
Fascinating experience for you. So interesting about the people being in awe of you since there are so few travelers who go there. I wouldn’t have had any idea what to expect as a visitor to Bangladesh. Love your photos.
Thanks Cathy, I’m glad this post is shining some light on a country that gets little attention. I think it’s a great destination for those with some travel experience.
Bangla Desh is on my list. Such interesting detail in these photos!
Great to hear Sophie! I’d love to hear your take on it someday 🙂
You do have a knack for taking pictures of people, these shots are stunning!
Thanks Angela! I totally appreciate you saying that. It’s my favourite genre of photography – taking shots on the street.
Been to Bangladesh twice, never had a camera with me, something I really regret. Visited Dhaka and Chittagong, from both places I have images planted in my mind that will stay forever, they are just the sort of images here, great photos Sam.
Wow! You’ve been twice 🙂 I’ve yet to visit Chittagong but have heard great things. Any plans to return a third time?
These are so interesting. You don’t see a ton about tourism in Bangladesh. What a photographic bonanza!
Thanks Erik! You sure don’t! It is a place that is ideal for street photography. Not only can you witness a lot but the locals are friendly and enjoy having their photos taken.
I really like the different perspectives you shot with this!
Thanks D! There was a lot going on. I felt I was quite lucky to have my camera with me and fully charged.
Nice set, Samuel! Love the first Sepia photo. I have a friend who is in Bangladesh now and I met him when we were in college. At least now I have an idea about Old Dhaka 😀
Hey Mica, glad you feel you have a better feeling for Old Dhaka now 🙂
So many make so much from very little – one of my favorite things about places like this and you’ve captured it well in these photos.
Thanks Maria, that’s a great point you bring up. People are living very humbly here for the most part yet are very friendly and outgoing.
Great photos as always Samuel 🙂 Love the first one of the pipes – they look like he shouldn’t be able to lift them! Also the guy sitting on the cart. How did he swing that job 😉
Hey Laurence! Thanks 🙂 I have no idea how they’re able to move these heavy/enormous objects. I feel I have little right to complain about my job 🙂
Hi Samuel! Great to connect with a fellow photographer. Glad to have found you from the Facebook group.
Beautiful photo essay on Bangladesh. There’s something very telling about images of locals on the street doing what they do. It’s like we get a glimpse of their life. You’re right, I haven’t seen many stories about Bangladesh. I may be heading there the end of the year, so I may have to hit you up for some pointers.
Michelle
Great to connect with you Michelle! I just checked out your site and I’m impressed with your photography. If you get a chance to visit Bangladesh I highly recommend it.