GMB Akash

No protection. No appreciation. No opportunity.

Bangladeshi photographer GMB Akash has traveled to remote villages in developing countries to document the use of child labor in factories. His images bring to life the haunting realities that millions of children face each day. During an interview with Akash, he recalls seeing a 12 year old boy being beaten by a factory owner because he was sewing shirts too slowly.  This incident took place in 2005 in Bangladesh in the center of the garment industry of Narayanganj, even though child labor has been forbidden in Bangladesh since 1992.  Akash has been profoundly affected both emotionally and psychologically after seeing the repulsive evils of child labor first hand.  He feels guilty when he eats good food, and he feels haunted by the children in his photographs.

Akash describes the factories as too dangerous for children. They are “gloomy, unhygienic, smoky” and are fading away the children’s lives.  He talks to the children he sees in the factories and says they tell him their stories, adventures and sacrifices. “Their innocent smile can break your heart into enormous pieces if you stand in front of where they work [and] live.” he says. “The photos show the terrible environment they work in.  Wherever I go I find great insecurity of lives. No protection, no appreciation, no opportunity.”

Entering these factories is very dangerous and Akash must be certain not to be caught taking photos by the factory owners, but he hopes to achieve justice through documenting these conditions and making people aware of what is going on in these factories.  “I [have] spent my life to meet with those voiceless people,” he says, “…[these] circles of suffering never stop.  My main concentration is to focus on people who are suffering eternally and dying everyday in the struggle of life”.

With some friends and members of the community, Akash has started an activist group to support the fight against child labor.  They try to help by targeting one family at a time and making an effort to change their lives through donating clothing and household items.  The group also runs a night school for the children.

Akash says he will continue taking photos to educate people about the terrible things happening in factories around the world: “I believe [we are] indebted to those who are working in such conditions.  One day we will all gather together against such crimes. Children will go to schools instead of factories. I will take photos until voices raise and hands come out.”