River gypsies are an ethnic group in Bangladesh. They are known as bedey to local people. The gypsies have their own lifestyle and culture. They live in groups and do not own any land. Therefore, they live a nomadic life travelling from one place to another. These people roam across our rivers and waters from May to December in small country boats. These boats are their houses. In winter, many water bodies dry up. At that time they return to the mainland and live in make-shift tarpaulin tents on open river banks. During the monsoon, they remain busy with fishing. Men earn by catching fish, selling herbal medicine and entertaining people with snake charming. They also collect natural pearls from water. Women earn by selling bangles and cosmetics. At present they are facing many problems. Due to rapid urbanization and drying out of rivers, many of them changing their profession.
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