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22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
When life is like that

Bede (famine: Bedeni) or Bedey, also known as Mon-tong, is an Indo-Aryan nomadic ethnic group of Bangladesh. The Bede traditionally live, travel, and earn their living on the river, which has given them the name of "Water Gypsy" or "River Gypsy". Bedes are similar to European gypsies. They travel in groups and never stay in one place for more than a couple of months. The Bedes are a marginalized group. Historically the Bedes were unable to vote as they did not own land, nor could they apply for banks loan or microcredit for the same reason. This situation persisted until 2008, when they were finally granted the right to vote.

Photo Detail
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Khulna, Bangladesh
Camera: Canon EOS 77D
Copyright: © Mehir Mondal