Living at Risk

A long the Beribandh road lies a vast area housing the “Lalbagh slum”. At a glance, it is evident that the people there are risking their lives for shelter. Highly prone to accidents, these homes have two to three floors that are connected by rickety staircases made of bamboo. Each home is rented for Tk 1,000-1,500 and can accommodate not more than three or four people, including small children. While there is more than one storey in each shanty, they only have a space to rest and one to cook. Considering this hazardous living arrangement, there is little doubt that, in the face of accidents or tragedies, those living in these shanties may have to face devastation, if not death.

Photo: Anisur Rahman