Art Exhibition Exposes the Hidden Health Crisis in Bangladesh's Textile Industry

An art exhibition titled Into My Lungs recently concluded at the Alliance Française de Dhaka after a month-long run. The project, which highlighted the severe health struggles faced by workers in Bangladesh's textile and spinning industries, aimed to connect global consumers with the hidden costs of fast fashion.

The exhibition, curated by Fouzia Mahin Choudhury, combined visual art, textile-based installations, and a 27-minute documentary film. The installations traced the journey of cotton from field to fabric, exposing the exploitation and suffering embedded in the process.

One key focus was the lack of medical care for workers. Many delay treatment for respiratory illnesses until they develop tuberculosis, often due to financial hardship. The documentary, also titled Into My Lungs, explored life-threatening conditions like byssinosis—a lung disease common among textile workers exposed to dust and fibres.

Beyond raising awareness, the project called for collective action. It urged consumers, brands, and policymakers to push for better working conditions and healthcare access. The aim was to bridge the gap between those who wear fast fashion and those who produce it under dangerous conditions.

The month-long exhibition brought urgent attention to the health crises in Bangladesh's textile sector. By combining art, film, and advocacy, it pressed for systemic change. Organisers hope the project will lead to stronger protections for workers in one of the world's largest garment industries.