Slum Eviction and Housing Rights in Dhaka City (1975-2001)

Abstract

Dhaka, the capital and primate city of Bangladesh, has been growing very rapidly, especially since independence in 1971. Most of the increasing population comprises rural landless destitute migrants who arrive in the city in search of basic subsistence. Due to the low affordability and shortage of lower class housing facilities they are forced to take shelter in slums where they live inhumanely. Moreover, repeated eviction creates very severe conditions for them. The Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has signed various international covenants related to housing rights that have also been reaffirmed in the national constitution and in housing policies. Despite many laws and obligations, slum evictions (often forced) take place almost every year in Dhaka City and very few people are rehabilitated. Many slum evictions occurred in 1975, 1990, 1999 and 2001. The authorities are implementing new strategies to bypass the anti-eviction laws. A city like Dhaka, with these repeated inhumane acts, reflects a sad part of the urbanization process. This paper undertakes a chronological location analysis of slum eviction and clarifies the process and problems of slum evictions focusing on housing rights.