Asadul and his daily life on an island in Bangladesh

Listening

Join us on an exciting journey to Bangladesh and meet 10-year-old Asadul, who lives on a small island in the Brahmaputra River. He tells us about his family, everyday life and why he dreams of becoming a doctor.

The journey to the island

To get to the island where Asadul lives, you first have to fly to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. From the capital, you then take a bus for a few hours, then an autorickshaw ride and finally you have to take a boat out to the island. Exciting, isn't it?

This is how Asadul lives

In the morning, Asadul brushes his teeth at the water pump. Then he goes to school, which is just a few minutes away. He is in grade five and his favorite subject is English.

After school he plays with his friends. His favorite game is called "golla shyt", which reminds him of litter. Bathing in the river is also a favorite - there they wash and keep themselves clean to avoid diseases.

Asadul sits on a bench next to a brick house he smiles at the camera.
Asadul and four of his friends stand in a group and smile at the camera. The picture is taken from above.
Asadul washes his face at a water pump.
People working in a rice field.
Asadul sits on a bench next to a brick house he smiles at the camera.
Asadul and four of his friends stand in a group and smile at the camera. The picture is taken from above.
Asadul washes his face at a water pump.
People working in a rice field.
Listening

Dreaming of the future

Asadul wants to be a doctor when he grows up. There are no doctors on the island, and he wants to be able to help those who are sick.

- "It is important that everyone receives care, including those who live here on the island," he says.

A boat on a river.
Asadul lives on an island of mud. When the water rises, it can fall into the river.
A boat on a river.
Asadul lives on an island of mud. When the water rises, it can fall into the river.
Listening

Life on Chowmohon Island

According to Asadul, the best thing about living on the island is all the good fruit and food available. And it's fun to play in all the open spaces. But it's a shame that the school only goes up to grade five. His older sisters have had to move from the island to a city to continue their studies.

Water and rivers in Bangladesh

Rivers in Bangladesh rise when the snow has melted in the Himalayas and when the monsoon rains come in from the Indian Ocean. As the Earth's temperature rises, there is more meltwater and stronger monsoons. This causes the islands where Asadul lives to be flooded.

This text was originally published 1 March 2018.

Published: 02 December 2024

Pay with Swish by scanning the QR code

Listening
QR code Erikshjälpen
Do this:
  1. Open the Swish app.
  2. Press "Scan" and point the camera over the QR code.
  3. Confirm and sign the payment with mobile BankID.