Life in BANGLADESH: the most TOXIC country in the world | Travel Documentary

Summary

This documentary takes viewers through the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh, a city of over 23 million people struggling against overpopulation, pollution, and poverty. Amidst these challenges, the resilience and spirit of the people shine through as they fight for survival every day. From crowded slums like Coral Slum to the toxic Buriganga River, the documentary captures the raw realities of life in Dhaka, highlighting human connection and hope. The journey is not just about hardship, but about the unyielding will of people who refuse to give up, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dhaka, Bangladesh, is one of the most densely populated and polluted cities in the world, with over 23 million people living in a chaotic, overcrowded environment.
• 😀 Despite the harsh conditions, including severe pollution, limited access to clean water, and overcrowded slums, the people of Dhaka show incredible resilience and strength.
• 😀 The air in Dhaka is heavily polluted, with PM2.5 levels often exceeding six to seven times the safe limit, posing a daily health risk to its residents.
• 😀 Overpopulation is one of Bangladesh's biggest challenges, with the country being one of the most densely populated places on Earth, leading to severe housing and infrastructure issues.
• 😀 Streets in Dhaka are overcrowded, with chaotic traffic and a lack of space, creating a high level of stress and danger for daily commuters.
• 😀 The city's slums, like Coral Slum, represent the extreme poverty that many people face. Families live in tiny, unsafe conditions, with little access to basic amenities like clean water and electricity.
• 😀 Pollution in Dhaka is a silent killer, with the city's factories, old vehicles, and uncontrolled construction sites contributing heavily to air and water contamination.
• 😀 The Buriganga River, once a vital lifeline for the city, is now a symbol of environmental neglect, filled with raw sewage, industrial waste, and plastic, posing serious health risks.
• 😀 Basic services like healthcare and education are severely underfunded and overcrowded. Many children are forced to leave school early to help support their families.
• 😀 Despite these overwhelming challenges, the people of Dhaka continue to find ways to adapt, showing remarkable community spirit, kindness, and determination to survive and improve their lives.
• 😀 Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are playing a vital role in bringing education, healthcare, and vocational training to the people in the slums, giving them hope for a better future.

Q & A

What makes Dhaka one of the most densely populated cities in the world?

Dhaka's population exceeds 23 million people, living in a city smaller than Houston. With nearly 12,000 people per square kilometer, the city faces significant overcrowding, making it one of the most densely populated cities on Earth.

How does pollution affect the daily life of Dhaka’s residents?

Dhaka consistently ranks among the top five most polluted cities globally. High levels of PM2.5, which are harmful airborne particles, pose a severe health risk. People breathe in dangerous air daily, with no escape from the thick pollution caused by outdated vehicles, construction dust, and industrial emissions.

Why is clean water such a luxury in Dhaka?

Dhaka's water sources, like the Buriganga River, are heavily polluted with industrial waste, sewage, and garbage. Over 60% of the city's surface water is unsafe for human use, making access to clean drinking water a rare and valuable resource.

What challenges does Dhaka face due to overpopulation?

Overpopulation in Dhaka strains housing, infrastructure, and services. Many families live in cramped conditions, with several people in tiny rooms. Basic services like electricity, water, healthcare, and education are under immense pressure, leading to poor living standards in many areas.

How does the traffic situation in Dhaka contribute to the city’s chaos?

Dhaka’s traffic is notorious for being chaotic and dangerous, with jam-packed buses, rickshaws, motorbikes, and cars stuck in hours-long traffic jams. The absence of an efficient public transport system and an overwhelming number of vehicles adds to the stress of daily commuting.

What is the situation in Coral Slum, and how do people survive there?

Coral Slum, the largest informal settlement in Dhaka, houses over 40,000 people in less than a square kilometer. Residents live in overcrowded, substandard conditions, with little access to clean water, electricity, or sanitation. Many adults work in construction or as street vendors, while children often forgo education to contribute to the family income.

How does Dhaka’s garbage crisis affect the community?

Dhaka produces over 6,000 tons of waste every day, but there is insufficient waste management infrastructure. Much of the garbage ends up in the streets, waterways, and slums, creating an eyesore and a health hazard. Inadequate disposal systems and overcrowded living conditions exacerbate the situation.

What role do non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in Dhaka?

NGOs in Dhaka work to support marginalized communities by providing free schools in slums, offering mobile medical clinics, and empowering women with skills training. They are vital in uplifting those who are often left behind by the formal systems of education and healthcare.

How do the people of Dhaka maintain resilience despite the hardships?

Despite overwhelming challenges, the people of Dhaka continue to live with dignity, often with a sense of community. They share meals, help one another, and find joy in small moments. Resilience is ingrained in their way of life, driven by hope for a better future for their children.

What is the significance of the Buriganga River to Dhaka's residents, despite its pollution?

The Buriganga River, once the lifeline of Dhaka, is now heavily polluted, but it remains central to daily life for thousands of people. Many wash clothes, rinse vegetables, and even bathe in its polluted waters out of necessity, as they have no other access to clean water.