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The Maze of Metal
A Photo Feature
by Din M Shibly
As historians suggest, the production of iron by humans began probably sometime after 2000 BCE in south-west or south-central Asia, perhaps in the Caucasus region. The beginning of the Iron Age is marked with iron replacing bronze in implements and weapons. Ever since that era, metals and alloys have played pivotal roles in shaping economies, civilisations, etc. Look at the developed countries and you will find how they have emerged as game changers by making the best use of steel and associated linkage industries.
Bangladesh, a developing country of South-East Asia aspires to be a country of middle income by the year 2013. It is good news that in recent times, achievements of a number of industries in individual sector have been iconic and imperative in portraying the perfect picture of a positive Bangladesh. The ship building industry is one of them. The country, which had for long been criticised for being a manipulative ship breaker, has now finally emerged as the builder, of ships and hopes. The kudos goes to a few shipbuilders who, by dint of their farsightedness and bravado, have showed the world that they can also flex their muscle in hi-tech industry. Western Marine Shipyard is one of them. The fluttering flag of Bangladesh onto the vessels constructed by this company surely takes Bangladesh to a new height.
This visual journey will take you to a new destination that witnesses the making of a glorious future.
All those metal works that give birth to a ship is amazing. As I delved into the humongous shipyard, the breathtaking mega construction seemed like a ritual. Through my camera, I wanted to depict the story of the birth of a ship, the laborious endeavours of thousands of people and stories of changing realities on the east side of the river Karnaphuli. They show that Bangladesh can achieve anything and everything if she really wants to.
Din Muhammad Shibly is a professional photographer based in Dhaka with a special interest in documentary photography. His prime arena of interest revolves around socio-political documentaries.
