Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 31, 2025 (BSS) - Social watchdogs and youth leaders at a participatory meeting here today discussed ways to ensure basic rights of slum dwellers in the city, calling for ending discrimination in access to safe housing, healthcare and education.

Speakers observed that improving living conditions of the distressed and underprivileged population alongside ensuring their peaceful existence is vital for overall national development.

Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), a research-based development organization, arranged the meeting at a city restaurant.

According to the meeting, around 32,500 families-some 1,30,000 people-are living in 104 slums in Rajshahi and facing multiple problems.

With river researcher Mahbub Siddiqui in the chair, the meeting was addressed by Chief Community Development Officer of Rajshahi City Corporation Azizur Rahman, Sub-divisional Engineer of Public Works Department Shah Alam, Sub-divisional Engineer of National Housing Authority Murshed Alam Mahbub and Assistant Town Planner of Rajshahi Development Authority Sadrul Anam.

Presenting a concept paper, BARCIK Regional Coordinator Shahidul Islam highlighted the present scenario of slum dwellers.

Youth leader Samrat Raihan, Slum Development Committee President Khurshid Alam and slum-dweller Matiur Rahman also spoke.

The discussants stressed that concerted efforts of all stakeholders are crucial for ensuring safe housing and basic services for slum dwellers, who contribute to society in many ways. 

They said ensuring non-discriminatory access to fundamental rights-particularly housing, electricity, water, health and education-can pave the way for balanced social development.