By Tohura Khatun Lily from Rajshahi
A discussion meeting on environmental cleanliness, personal hygiene, dengue prevention, and housing rights was held at Namovadra Slum in Rajshahi to promote a healthy, safe, and livable urban environment. Around 45 people, including women, men, and youth, participated in the event.
The meeting focused on maintaining clean surroundings, practicing personal hygiene, ensuring safe drinking water, improving sanitation, and preventing dengue through eliminating mosquito breeding sites, removing stagnant water, and raising public awareness.
Participants in the discussion highlighted the challenges faced by nearly 250 families who have lived in the settlement for more than 40 years but still lack secure housing. Living on railway land leaves urban poor under constant threat of eviction, affecting children’s education, healthcare, livelihoods, and future planning.
Tea vendor Bacchu Mia said, “We have lived here for nearly 30 years, yet we still fear eviction. We only want a secure home from the government.”
Speakers said that ensuring housing rights for marginalized communities is essential for building an inclusive and resilient city. They called for stronger community solidarity and coordinated efforts among residents, civil society organizations, and local authorities to secure access to housing, safe water, sanitation, and other essential urban services.
The discussion was facilitated by BARCIK Associate Programme Officer Tohura Khatun Lily.
