Muhammad Amdad Hossain, Scorched Future (PLACES 2025)

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In the depths of Chattogram’s sprawling waste dumps in Halishahar, Bangladesh, child laborers sift through towering piles of refuse in search of recyclable materials, a daily routine driven by economic hardship. Captured on February 12, 2024, this scene highlights the stark realities of child labor amid hazardous pollution, where meager wages force children into perilous conditions. Throughout the day, young workers navigate toxic landscapes, salvaging scraps for resale to scrap shops, an informal labor network that offers little protection. With inadequate safety measures and prolonged exposure to harmful substances, these children endure extreme health risks—yet their presence here underscores a broader socioeconomic crisis where survival often takes precedence over well-being.

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