Dhaka, Bangladesh: Vibrant Daily Life Created by Commercial Districts and High Population Density Beside Railway Tracks

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with 170 million people residing in a territory about 1.5 times larger than South Korea. In terms of population alone, it has 20 million more people concentrated than Russia, which possesses a vast territory. In particular, as people flock to Dhaka where jobs are concentrated, severe traffic congestion and urban concentration occur. According to a video from the YouTube channel Heechulism, Dhaka is considered one of the most polluted cities in the world with very poor air quality, and congested traffic is a daily occurrence, to the point where one must move by intuition at intersections without traffic signals. Bicycles, trains, and buses, as well as local transportation called 'CNG' and the recently increased number of electric rickshaws, move in a mixture.

The Reality of Low-Income Commercial Districts and Dangerous Residential Areas Formed Around Railway Tracks

A unique type of commercial district is formed around the railway tracks in Dhaka. The video shows shops selling fish and meat lined up along the railway tracks. Since most of this is state-owned land, there is almost no burden of land costs or rent, so low-income merchants gather here to do business without paying fees. Due to the lack of refrigeration facilities, they operate by selling out the fish caught and meat slaughtered on the same day, and merchants show a crude but vivid local method, such as using knives directly to clean fish instead of cutting boards.

The residential environment is very poor. Residential areas are formed right next to the railway tracks, creating situations where people must take risks when trains pass by. The video captures people living by identifying train operation patterns to avoid danger. In particular, because the minimum wage has not risen since 2017, people who could not afford housing costs gather and make a living around the railway tracks. Locally, there is a saying that "if the hourly wage rises by 180 won, the rent rises by 24,000 won," as housing prices fail to keep up with wage increases. Due to this, one can also see people sleeping on blankets near the railway tracks at night.

The Pure Kindness of Locals and the Vibrant Local Life

Despite the poor environment, the purity and kindness of the locals are notable. The presenter in the video conveys their warm attitude through conversations with locals who guide the way or locals who miss South Korea after working at places like the former KIA factory in South Korea. Additionally, the sight of young children working to clean fish instead of going to school evokes sadness, but it shows the vivid life of the locals doing their best to survive. Regarding this situation, the presenter shows respect for the locals' way of life, stating, "Human rights and distribution only exist if you can afford to eat."

In the local markets, various foods can be encountered at very low prices. For a cheap price of about 100 to 200 won, one can taste egg dishes (dishes with a texture like rice crackers), chicken dishes, and coconuts. The presenter experiences the crispy outside, soft inside texture and the taste of spicy sauce while tasting local food. Furthermore, the sight of locals enjoying being asked for filming like a game makes one feel the unique bright energy of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, Where Labor is the Driving Force Leading the Nation

Bangladesh is not a country rich in resources, but it maintains its economy based on a powerful labor force. Labor-intensive industries are developed enough to account for 8% of the world's textile factory volume, and people work very hard in their respective positions. While the video highlights the urban imbalance caused by the city's growth rate outpacing administrative, residential, and distribution infrastructure, it simultaneously shows the rhythmic vitality of Dhaka within that process. The presenter describes this scene as a "vibrant experience felt as a person who shows traveling," capturing the image of Bangladesh where labor serves as the driving force leading the nation.