Narrator:
Who are these men and where do they come from?
Many are like Ashraf and his nineteen year-old son Robel who have been working in the yards for the last three years. They come from one of the poorest districts of Bangladesh called Bogra. Both are steel plate carriers and like many workers from far away live in the quarters erected by the owners of the ship yards. Living conditions are barely adequate. Many men share a single well for water and there is no toilet. Work is a few steps away.

shot of Ashraf peeling potatoes

Narrator:
Father and son have left the family in order to support it. Both work at least eight hours for 120 Thaka, or slightly more than two US dollars a day. They keep enough money to live and send the rest home. Robel's father says he does not want his son to spend his whole life in the ship yards, but is unsure what other job he might get.
Ashraf and his nineteen year-old son Robel have been working in the yards for the last three years. They come from one of Bangladesh's poorest districts Bogora and have left a family of a mother and five children at home. They are both carriers and like many workers who are from far away, stay in the quarters erected by the owners in the shipbreaking yards. Work is a single step away.
Robel's father says he does not want his son to spend his whole life in the shipyards, but is not sure what other job is available for him.

Shot of Md. Ashraf and his son Md. Robel

Question in Bangla: If you don't want him to do work here, what would you like him to do?
Answer Ashraf: We will have to try. Elsewhere.
Q. What job?
A. I will have to arrange for some kind of job.
Q. What kind of work would you like to put him to?
A. Ordinary kind of work. He does not have much education. A job according to his ability.
Q. What kind of job are you doing? Do you like this job?
Answer Robel. Not really. I don't like it.
Q. What would you like to do in future?
A. In the future ... I cannot stay here all my life.
Q. Your dad mentioned he was going to try for a different job in the future. What is your wish?
A. Whatever my father says, I will do.