bede

bede

The word ‘Bede’, locally known as Baidda, is derived from the Bengali word ‘Beday’, meaning ‘one who searches’. They carry snakes in boxes and travel to villages and local haats, where people gather. There, they perform snake shows, sell medicinal herbs and amulets, and advise people on how to stay safe from snake bites. Photo: Yasin Piash

A nomadic life with snakes: The changing world of the Bedes

Traditionally, many Bede families lived on boats along rivers and canals, while others travelled by land, temporarily settling in makeshift huts before moving on.

Is the proposed social safety budget adequate for marginalised communities?

Is the proposed social safety budget adequate for marginalised communities?

Sadar Upazila Parishad Chairman AKM Salah Uddin Tipu distributed the clothes among the children. Photo: TBS

Children of Bede community in Lakshmipur get new clothes for Eid

Addressing the needs of marginalised communities remains a hindrance to achieving SDGs

Addressing the needs of marginalised communities remains a hindrance to achieving SDGs

Photo: Noor A Alam

The story of a people through the story of their language

Almost every household from this Bede village of 500 to 800 people, regardless of their occupation, still has pet snakes. Photo: Noor-A-Alam

As Bedes transition to permanent houses, the old ways still hold sway

Bede communities in Savar. Photo: UNB.

Education mainstreaming snake charmers