Life on the Chars

Hundreds of thousands of people in Gaibandha live on chars that can appear, grow or vanish within a few years. Families build houses on raised plinths, keep cattle and boats, and move their homes when erosion eats their land. Weekly char markets, boat-borne trade and close-knit communities are part of this river culture. Spending time with char families, ideally with a local guide or organisation, gives a deep sense of Bangladesh's relationship with its rivers.

How to get there

By boat from Balashi or Phulchhari ghats.

Good to know

Go with a local guide, be respectful when photographing homes, and bring small gifts rather than cash.

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• #char
• #community
• #livelihood