Last day in Bangladesh: Following Farhana

I have come back to Dhaka specifically to follow Farhana. Farhana Akhtar is the educational

outreach assistant at the BCDP (Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project) in Dhaka. I had the chance to interact with her a little when last in Dhaka and realized that her story in particular was important and relevant for this documentary.

Farhana Akhtar during an interview in Dhaka, Bangladesh (Photo: Jlewis, TDRF)

Farhana actually has a Masters in Science. She was previously a researcher working on primates. She became involved in the BCDP and is now dedicated to doing all she can to help preserve the Ganges river dolphin. This work is incredibly important to her, but she struggles because the job she has is not a permanent position. This position was created using outside sources of funding. This is the case with all non profits. Working in a field with no real job security is not something anyone would want long term. Because of this, each year, Farhana now considers whether she should try for a post at a bank in the city and leave this work behind. This is what many young students have to consider.

Farhana spends the evening catching up with friends
(Dhaka, Bangladesh, Photo: JLewis, TDRF)

I spent the entire day travelling through the city filming with Farhana, In the evening we met up with her friends who were also science majors. We learn that one is very lucky and has secured a spot as a University lecturer. This is good news and provides more hope to all of them, and myself.

We end the evening visiting a professor and his wife who had previously advised Farhana and one of her friends. They were able to offer an interesting perspective on how things had changed or not changed over time regarding the struggle of students.

Farhana's professor from her Master's and his wife tell us about their observations over time regarding students in conservation  (Photo: JLewis, TDRF)