In Bangladesh, driving is a unique experience that requires a whole new level of resilience. It is a place where you drive on the road as others drive with a bumper car; finding space means ramming your car alongside others. The police only intervene if there are fatalities, which might explain why nowhere else in the world do people drive as brutally and recklessly as they do here.
These are some of the striking scenes you will see in “Surviving the Streets of Dhaka,” a riveting documentary that takes you on a journey to Bangladesh’s capital city. In Dhaka, the daily struggle to survive is fought on every street. With the highest density of population in the world, and the highest amount of corruption, getting by is a formidable feat.
One of the biggest bottlenecks in the transport system is Dhaka’s historical old town. Old Dhaka is a universe of its own, a world of bazaars where every trade has its own quarter. Streets of jewelers, sweets makers, and fashionable tailors are commonplace. The vegetable wholesalers even have their warehouses down at the port.
But despite the city’s quirks and vibrant community, the transport system is a nightmare. Deliveries take place mostly on the Buriganga River, a stinking cesspool. However, the sold goods usually leave by land via the Nawabpur Road, where too many people are crammed into too little space. Traffic in Dhaka is a frenzy every day, a madness one can only appreciate by experiencing it firsthand.
The documentary accompanies a rickshaw, a bus, and a truck on their perilous journey through the streets of Dhaka. It shows how it’s possible to survive in what seems to be an uncontrollable chaos. As you watch, you’ll experience the struggles faced by locals as they brave the streets to go about their daily lives.
In conclusion, “Surviving the Streets of Dhaka” is a must-watch documentary that provides a rare, eye-opening experience of a city that’s both fascinating and challenging. From the vibrant bazaars to the chaotic roads, this documentary encapsulates the true essence of life in Dhaka. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey!
