The making of a megacity: how Dhaka transformed in 50 years of Bangladesh

In the half century since independence, the capital has grown from peaceful town to economic hub. But does it live up to the dreams of those still flocking to work there?

• Bangladesh has come a long way': people of Dhaka on half a century of independence

On the banks of the Buriganga, Old Dhaka's boatmen only ever rest a moment before making their return journey, endlessly ferrying passengers back and forth across the river.

They pick them up at the Sadarghat docks, the historical trading hub that helped build the city, and row them towards the sprawling suburbs that have crept across what used to be open farmland two decades ago.