Published: TUESDAY February 11, 2025: 'Colors of BENGAL' by ZUMA Press award winning photo-journalist Muhammad Amdad Hossain: The name Bangladesh means 'Land of Bengal' as it is part of the historical region of Bengal. The cultural roots of the Bengali people run deep into the past and about 98% of the Bangladeshi population identifies as Bengali ethnicity. This South Asian country is marked by lush greenery and many waterways, its capital Dhaka is widely considered to be the most densely populated built-up urban area in the world. With two-thirds of the country less than 20 feet above sea level and with rapidly growing urban centers, Bangladesh is highly threatened by climate change. By mid century, Bangladesh will lose 17 percent of its territory due to rising sea levels, resulting in the loss one third of the country's agricultural land. By 2050, the World Bank predicts there may be as many as 19.9 million internal Bangladeshi climate migrants. Welcome to 'Colors of BENGAL'
© zReportage.com Issue #976 Story of the Week: Published: TUESDAY February 11, 2025: 'Colors of BENGAL' by ZUMA Press award winning photo-journalist Muhammad Amdad Hossain: The name Bangladesh means 'Land of Bengal' as it is part of the historical region of Bengal. The cultural roots of the Bengali people run deep into the past and about 98% of the Bangladeshi population identifies as Bengali ethnicity. This South Asian country is marked by lush greenery and many waterways, its capital Dhaka is widely considered to be the most densely populated built-up urban area in the world. With two-thirds of the country less than 20 feet above sea level and with rapidly growing urban centers, Bangladesh is highly threatened by climate change. By mid century, Bangladesh will lose 17 percent of its territory due to rising sea levels, resulting in the loss one third of the country's agricultural land. By 2050, the World Bank predicts there may be as many as 19.9 million internal Bangladeshi climate migrants. Welcome to 'Colors of BENGAL'

From small boats, farmers collect water lilies 10,000 acres of wetlands in Uttar Satla of Barisal city in Bangladesh. The flowers are supplied to different parts of the country. Water lilies grow for four months, starting from August till November.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Local tribal people fish from the shoreline with large nets in colorful Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, Bangladesh.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Water buffaloes cool off in the river water in Gaibandha, Bangladesh. These animals play a vital role in rural livelihoods, thriving in the region's riverine ecosystem, which supports both agriculture and livestock.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Boatmen navigate their vessels across the Shitalakshya River, carrying passengers from Bandar Ghat in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Every day, around 10,000 to 15,000 people cross the river relying on this vital waterway for daily commuting.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Farmers collect water lilies 10,000 acres of wetlands in Uttar Satla of Barisal city in Bangladesh. From this village water lilies are supplied to different parts of the country. The water lilies grow for four months, starting from August till November.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Thousands of colorful tents have been pitched on the Tongi Ijtema grounds on the bank of the Turag as muslim devotees from home and abroad gathering there to join the first phase of the Biswa Ijtema, one of the largest congregations of muslims in the world.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Using small boats farmers cultivate vegetables on floating gardens in Nazirpur, Bangladesh. They navigate narrow water channels, tending to the soil-free plant beds, known as 'Dhap,' made from water hyacinths. These floating gardens are prepared for the new crop season, and are a centuries-old agricultural practice.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Fishermen cast nets on the open ground ghat (flood land) which has been submerged in flood water in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

A water buffalo herd crosses a dry riverbed near the Jamuna River in Gaibandha, Bangladesh. Dried waterways and shifting sandbars (chars) disrupt navigation and force herds to travel far for water. These unstable sand formations, deposited and eroded seasonally, highlight the fragile balance of life along the Jamuna River basin.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Aerial view of workers in a field stretching and drying huge rolls of newly dyed bright red cloth in Narsingdi, Bangladesh. This fabric is commonly used for making winter bedding.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Wooden water taxi passenger boats sit ready for customers along the Buriganga River in Dhaka. The boats, decorated with colorful patterned rugs, transport workers from the outskirts of the city along the Buriganga river, a route used by millions of commuters daily.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Thousands of Muslim faithful take part in a procession on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, birth anniversary of Muslims beloved Prophet Muhammad in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Muslim devotees perform bathing and ablution using water supplied during the Biswa Ijtema in Tongi, Dhaka. It is the biggest festival by population in Bengali culture, one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world, and the second-largest Muslim gathering, with 5 million adherents.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Muslim faithful perform Friday prayers together on a floating bridge during Biswa Ijtema (World Ijtema) at Tongi in Gazipur district. As there is not enough space in the Ijtema grounds due to the large number of muslims offering prayers together, people stand on roads and bridges to pray.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

A female artisan from a Hindu community meticulously shapes clay into pottery in a village in Munshiganj. The traditional process involves collecting clay from the ground, molding it by hand, sun-drying it, and adding vibrant paints to create finished products for sale at local markets. This centuries-old craft continues to sustain livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage amidst changing times.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Children play soccer on a permanent sand field surrounded by grass filled temporary flower beds in the capital city Dhaka.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Bangladeshi fishermen work at a fish farm in Kaptai Lake. Using small boats, they meticulously tend to the fish, ensuring their health and proper growth. Kaptai Lake, nestled in the hills of Rangamati, is a vital resource for the local fishing industry, supporting the livelihoods of many in the region through sustainable aquaculture practices.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire

Muslim devotees offering the final prayers of the 'World Ijtema' in Tongi railway station, the outskirts of Dhaka.The Ijtema is considered a demonstration of Muslim unity, solidarity, mutual love and respect and an opportunity to reiterate their commitment to Islamic values.
© Muhammad Amdad Hossain/ZUMA Press Wire