Chittagong in Bangladesh is one of the biggest ship breaking yards in the world. It is a graveyard where ships from all around the world are taken for their last voyage, to be taken apart.
Known for unsafe work practices and environmental pollution from the demolition and ship breaking process, Chittagong presents one of the biggest industry and job opportunities for many Bangladeshis.
Often unaware of the risks they face on a daily basis by carrying heavy loads and directly touching materials that are known to cause cancer (asbestos), the workers rarely take danger into consideration.
They simply can’t afford to.
Living in a third world country, the workers in the yards of Chittagong prioritize taking care of their family.
To be without a job and letting their families go hungry, represents a greater threat to these men than working in an environment that can eventually lead to health issues or early death.
