Leather Hell of Dhaka

Tannery industries of Hazaribagh situated in a heavily populated residential area. Inside the factories, shirtless workers stretch freshly dyed sheets of goat and cattle hide across industrial drying racks. But outside, under the glaring sun, it’s clear who’s paying the price. Conditions are nightmarish for the 16,000-plus tannery workers, whose first and secondary exposures to harsh chemicals are said to have reduced life expectancy to less than 50. In the bowels of the M/B Tannery, employees without gloves load chemicals such as chromium and sodium formate into giant churning drums of animal hides. 

© Sudeepto Salam/ Photoffee ArtShop