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'My heart was broken at the beginning of my life.'

Gönna Ketels & Monika GriebelerDecember 29, 2014

Every day, around 20,000 workers risk their lives in the shipbreaking yards of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Alamgir, who we meet in #headabovewater, is one of them. Earning a living makes him proud - and sad at the same time.

https://p.dw.com/p/1EB2J
Alamgir aus Bangladesch EINSCHRÄNKUNG
Image: Robert Richter

“My heart was broken at the beginning of my life.”

According to official figures, in 2013 the unemployment rate in Bangladesh was only at five percent - similar to that of Germany. But in fact, around 40 percent of the population is underemployed; many people, who are counted as employed work only a few hours a week and earn low wages.

Many, like Alamgir, would like a way out - but they are too poor.