After spending a number of years in the United States, Ismail Ferdous was taken by surprise upon his return to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. His own memories were reflected in the beach goers collecting shells; making sand sculptures; or viewing newlywed couples taking photos along the seashore. According to Ferdous, “there is a notable lack of urgency, as if time itself has advocated to unshoulder the burdens of everyone at the beach. It is still the same as when I grew up, but also full of surprises.” In this series of photographs, Ferdous unfolds a sense of connection and disconnection towards an area saturated with collective and individual memory, based on his acquaintance with and perception of Bangladesh beach culture.
