The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE interim government's pledge to rehabilitate some 60,000 slum dwellers remains unimplemented after more than a year and a half of their eviction from makeshift squats in the capital city as reported recently by media. According to reports, the process has stuck in a bureaucratic tangle despite instructions from the higher authority for expediting it. Lists of probable rehabilitation sites were sent with the suggestion to select the place that is suitable for the purpose to the relevant authorities. The government-appointed rehabilitation committee suggested probable sites twice, but the ministry concerned repeatedly expressed its 'inability' to give the land for rehabilitation of the evicted poor people.

Immediately after the takeover of the administration by the interim government in January 2007, the joint forces demolished 33 slums on government lands in the capital city rendering the inmates homeless. In the face of strong protest by different sections of the people against the eviction before arranging any alternative shelters, the authorities stopped the drive in late February 2007 and assured rehabilitation of the evicted slum people. Accordingly, a rehabilitation committee was formed to suggest the measures and expedite the work following the pledge made by the chief adviser.

After the need assessment, the eight-member committee comprising government officials and development activists selected 120 acres of land where the evicted slum people could be relocated. The housing and public works ministry however, expressed its inability to spare the land for the purpose. It rather offered seven acres of land in another place in Mirpur and Mohakhali areas for the rehabilitation programme. Later this offer was dropped and the ministry could offer only five acres of land somewhere in Mirpur for the purpose. Since then there has been no progress at all in this regard.