. PHOTO: Syed Zakir Hossain

The fragrance of Bakul (a flower that blooms in May) evokes different emotions in people. But for this little boy, the flower is nothing but a weapon that helps him fight against his fate. Fourteen-year-old Rafique from Netrakona lost his father early in life and his mother eight months ago. He now threads these flowers into Bakul Mala (garlands) and sells them. This brings him between Tk. 60 to Tk. 70 a day which he uses to maintain not only himself but his one-and-a-half-year-old brother Shafique as well.