In The Light Of A Far-Away World: the Bangladeshi Struggle in Rome - Emiliano Cavicchi

EMILIANO CAVICCHI

The protest and the political struggle of the Bangladeshi community in Rome in 2008.

introduction

Bangladeshi people at the beginning of a demonstration in Esquilino, a central Rome neighbourhood mostly inhabitated by Africans and Asians. Behind them the poster says: 'We keep the fight asking for solidarity. To every Italian workers and immigrants..'

Babul shows photos of his family. The wife Mary Begum is dead one year before throwing herself with the little son throught the window of her 4th floor burning apartment in Esquilino. Fifteen immigrants used to illegally share this small three rooms flat.

Also if many with no Visa, hundreds of Bangladeshi starts striking at night in the San Giovanni's square.

Siddique 'Bachu' Nure Alam, leader of Bangladeshi Dhuumcatu association, speaks at the crowd of immigrants during a demonstration behind the central Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore.

Ibrahim from Bangladeshi looks at mobile phone in the squatted 'Area Ingovernabile' (previously a Minister of Finance offices block) in an outskirt neighbourhood of Rome.Initially occupied by Bangladeshi Dhuumcatu association, it is a home for immigrants.

Alom, on the left, and Morshud, on the right, cook and dishwasher in a central restaurant of Rome. Both of them came adventurously by Asia or Arabian countries from Bangaldesh, and working now for ten hours daily shifts, six days at week, no contract.

Voluntary humanitarian association activist distributes blankets to Bangladeshi people in the cold january night. During the 5 days and nights of Hunger and Thirst strike in San Giovanni's square.

Passing the time and waiting for news. Three Bangladeshi men eating typical Bengal spicy and cheap street food 'Jal-muri', in a Bangladeshi street of Esquilino neighbourhood.

Pride shout of young Bangladeshi man while the crowd screams: 'We want Residence Permit, we want to work!'. During the five days and nights of hunger and thirst strike in central San Giovanni's Square.

Muslim prayer at early dawn. During the five days and nights of hunger and thirst strike in central San Giovanni's Square.

One touched Bangladeshi man shows the first police receipt to get a temporary Humanitarian Residence Permit.