23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Bridging Two Worlds.

Korail, the largest informal settlement in Dhaka, is home to more than 200,000 people living along the fragile edge of Gulshan Lake. Just across the water lie the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, where wealth and privilege stand in stark contrast to the struggles of this community. It is striking to see Korail residents navigating rafts laden with food, serving office-goers at restaurants beneath Gulshan Bridge—bringing affordable meals while bridging two very different worlds.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 09.2025
Photo Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Camera: ILCE-7M3
Copyright: © Md. Arifuzzaman