Sunday June 24, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

An Islamic student at a Madrasah in Pabna applies a turban while preparing for noon prayers.

A madrasah student wraps a white turban around his head.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Monday August 6, 2007, Manikgonj, Manikgong, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

Jobeda Khatun has aken shelter at a local primary school in her village.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Thursday July 12, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

Along with The holy Quran students study Hadis the written verses by the Prophet Mohammad.

A muslim student studying beside a window.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Sunday June 24, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

An Islamic student at a Mardrasah in Pabna takes advantage of the window light to read during a rainstorm.

A madrasah student reads beside a window during a rainstrom.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday January 10, 2007, Dhaka, Bangldesh

Bangladesh under state of emergency

Bangladesh's president has declared a state of emergency and imposed a strict night-time curfew following weeks of violent protests and threats by political groups to disrupt upcoming general elections. The South Asian nation has been crippled in recent days by a series of blockades and strikes organized by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who opposes Bangladesh's upcoming January 22nd elections, in favor of allowing time for election refroms.

Demonstrators begin a protest with singing.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday August 8, 2007, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

A young boy aims a water gun while playing in a flooded street in the city of Dhaka. The city's northern areas have remained submerged for some 15 days.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Saturday June 23, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

After facing enormous criticism for not following modern academic systems the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board finally included the English language in their curriculum. Students have to show the teacher their slates once their lesson is done.

A muslim female student showing the teacher her handwriting on the slate.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday July 11, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

Aslam Uddin is teaching students how to recite Surah in prayers and is loosing himself for a moment.

A teacher in the Madrasah teaching his students how to pray Namaz.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Monday August 6, 2007, Manikgonj, Manikgong, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

A young boy wades through flood waters, passing laundry hung out to dry.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Monday August 6, 2007, Manikgonj, Manikgong, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

A boy kneeling amid flood water glances over at a now useless bicycle.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday January 10, 2007, Dhaka, Bangldesh

Bangladesh under state of emergency

Bangladesh's president has declared a state of emergency and imposed a strict night-time curfew following weeks of violent protests and threats by political groups to disrupt upcoming general elections. The South Asian nation has been crippled in recent days by a series of blockades and strikes organized by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who opposes Bangladesh's upcoming January 22nd elections, in favor of allowing time for election refroms.

A police officer struggles with a demonstrator while making an arrest.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday August 8, 2007, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

A woman walks past a rickshaw parked along a flooded street in the city of Dhaka. The city's northern areas have remained submerged for some 15 days.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Sunday June 24, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

Students are given two meals a day: at 9:30 in the morning and 1:30 in the afternoon. They save some lunch food to eat at dinner.

Muslim students standing in line for breakfast.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday August 8, 2007, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

Pedestrians and rickshaws make their way down a flooded street in Dhaka. The city's northern areas have remained submerged for some 15 days.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Monday August 6, 2007, Manikgonj, Manikgong, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

A local man loaded a few salvaged personal possessions onto a homemade raft and set off in search of dry land.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday January 10, 2007, Dhaka, Bangldesh

Bangladesh under state of emergency

Bangladesh's president has declared a state of emergency and imposed a strict night-time curfew following weeks of violent protests and threats by political groups to disrupt upcoming general elections. The South Asian nation has been crippled in recent days by a series of blockades and strikes organized by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who opposes Bangladesh's upcoming January 22nd elections, in favor of allowing time for election refroms.

A demonstrator shouts slogans while standing beside a street fire.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Thursday July 12, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

Students seating in a row and taking lunch.

Students taking lunch.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Sunday June 24, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

It is said in Islam that the part of your body hit by a teacher will go to heaven. Madrasah is known to have a very strict academic environment. Recently government has banned teachers rights to carry any sticks in the classroom.

A student presenting homework in front of the teacher.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Friday January 12, 2007, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The First day of the emergency was quite peaceful.Army mostly patroll the commercially important place along with politically sensitive neighborhood, , Dhaka, Bangladesh, 12 January.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Friday January 12, 2007, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The First day of the emergency was quite peaceful. Not a large number of army vehicles were seen on the street; an army truck is going out for patrolling, Dhaka, Bangladesh, January 12.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday January 10, 2007, Dhaka, Bangldesh

Bangladesh under state of emergency

Bangladesh's president has declared a state of emergency and imposed a strict night-time curfew following weeks of violent protests and threats by political groups to disrupt upcoming general elections. The South Asian nation has been crippled in recent days by a series of blockades and strikes organized by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who opposes Bangladesh's upcoming January 22nd elections, in favor of allowing time for election refroms.

Police fire tear gas canisters to disperse demonstrators hidden in a narrow alleyway in the Dhaka's Fakirapul neighborhood.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday January 10, 2007, Dhaka, Bangldesh

Bangladesh under state of emergency

Bangladesh's president has declared a state of emergency and imposed a strict night-time curfew following weeks of violent protests and threats by political groups to disrupt upcoming general elections. The South Asian nation has been crippled in recent days by a series of blockades and strikes organized by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who opposes Bangladesh's upcoming January 22nd elections, in favor of allowing time for election refroms.

Demonstrators surround a street fire.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Tuesday January 9, 2007, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Riots rock Bangladeshi capital

Riot police are out in force as thousands of stick-wielding and stone-throwing protesters are demanding electoral reforms and a postponement of elections scheduled for January 22. In an effort to force its demands, the alliance led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina said it plans to keep blocking roads, railways and river routes to isolate Dhaka from the rest of the country. About 12,000 security forces personnel are patrolling the streets amid fears of a repeat in violence that has marred previous political protests and left at least 34 dead since October.

Protesters scatter from canisters of tear gas fired by police.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday January 10, 2007, Dhaka, Bangldesh

Bangladesh under state of emergency

Bangladesh's president has declared a state of emergency and imposed a strict night-time curfew following weeks of violent protests and threats by political groups to disrupt upcoming general elections. The South Asian nation has been crippled in recent days by a series of blockades and strikes organized by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who opposes Bangladesh's upcoming January 22nd elections, in favor of allowing time for election refroms.

Blood pours from the face of one of 30 demonstrators injured during clashes.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Wednesday July 11, 2007, Pabna, Bangladesh

Madrasah in Bangladesh

Friday is the only day students do their personal works that include washing clothes.

A muslim student hanging his clothes over a rope.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Monday August 6, 2007, Manikgonj, Manikgong, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

Holding her young daughter, a woman attempts to keep clothes drying on a line from being blown away into flood water.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Monday August 6, 2007, Manikgonj, Manikgong, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

A man rests atop a bed in his home as a dog walks past.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Monday August 6, 2007, Manikgonj, Manikgong, Bangladesh

Flooding in Bangladesh causes widespread devastation

Some 120 people are reported to have been killed as major flooding caused by a recent monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh. The flooding, caused by a heavy downpour, has affected some eight-million people in 38 of the country's 64 districts. As a result, the Bangladeshi government is distributing funds, rice and dry food to victims but local media reports indicate the relief measures aren't enough to counter the scale of the disaster.

The handle of a well appears above flood waters in Manikgonj.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Friday January 12, 2007, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The First day of the emergency was quite peaceful. Army was seen patrolling in a busy commercial area of Dhaka, Bangladesh, January 12.

Credit: Saiful Huq Omi / Polaris

Saiful Huq Omi