I was fascinated by images I had seen of shipbreaking in India and Bangladesh, and after being turned away from the town where the shipbreaking beaches are located in India, I decided to make a special trip to Bangladesh. I was not disappointed. Not only was I able to talk my way into the yards there in Chittagong, but I met one of the owners of the yards who invited me to spend time with his family - wealthy industrialists who control a number of businesses. I was introduced to a Bangladeshi senator who let me follow him around his district on the campaign trail one day, and was allowed to tour a number of factories and mills. I was also invited to attend a service on one of the Sunni Muslim holidays at the massive Baitul Falah mosque, where over 7000 worship at a time (I was unable to take photos there). I even made it on national TV, when I attended a media dinner to celebrate this family's corporate sponsorship deal with one of Bangladesh's cricket stars. Not many tourists make it to Bangladesh - dirtier, poorer and more crowded than India - but it is an unforgettable place to visit.

**Click on thumbnails for a larger view. Images with an asterisk include commentary**