By Tohura Khatun Lily from Rajshahi
A discussion meeting on the rights, access to civic services and living conditions of slum dwellers was held in Baharampur Slum, Rajshahi recently. The event was jointly organized by BARCIK and the Baharampur Comprehensive Development Organization.
Participants discussed key challenges faced by the urban poor in accessing safe housing, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, education, TCB products and other essential civic services. They shared their everyday hardships and concerns, particularly during the rainy season when waterlogging and inadequate water and sanitation facilities worsen living conditions.
Residents also highlighted barriers to accessing healthcare, government support and essential services and called for easier and more transparent access to TCB products and other public assistance.
Members of the Baharampur Comprehensive Development Organization emphasized that urban poor are an integral part of the city and that an inclusive and equitable urban environment cannot be achieved without ensuring their basic rights and civic services. They stressed the importance of identifying community needs, engaging with relevant authorities and taking collective action to address these challenges.
The meeting also discussed community awareness, engagement with government and local authorities, and advocacy to improve access to civic services.
Mumtaz Begum, President of the Baharampur Comprehensive Development Organization, said, “To make urban poor part of urban development, their access to safe housing, water and sanitation, healthcare, education and other basic civic services must be ensured.”