An organized way in which a state or nation allocates its resources and apportions goods
and services in the national community.
Free Market
Economy where government intervention has
been done to stabilise some of the prices of the commodities. However, government's
manipulation of market economy is ruining our business and financial
institutions, particularly the Stock Market which is in dire crisis at the
moment due to facilitating underhand dealings (insider trading).
Bangladesh Economy
The economy of Bangladesh is rated
as one of the poorest in the area, and most importantly it is thought to be the
least powerful in South Asia. According to the most recent rating of the
Standard & Poor’s the Bangladesh economy is a BB type of economy which is
taken into consideration by those willing to invest in this country. A BB
rating usually depicts a fragile economy and is most likely to drive
sustainable investments and investors away. In the area, Bangladesh is rated
below India but much above Pakistan and Sri Lanka which means that it is not
the worst economy in the area but could do much better. For those who care
Bangladesh is a developing country with a Bangladesh poverty rate that may
exceed one’s expectations. Yet, here is some more information about the economy
of Bangladesh which can help people gets a real grip of the quality of life in
this country.
The economy of Bangladesh is still attracting investors from different parts of the world and there are various national and international efforts to improve its economic prospects. It is therefore described as a developing country which has however managed to greatly improve its prospects. For instance, it is estimated that in 1988 the country was heavily reliant on foreign grant and loan (about 85%) to only 2% in 2010. Yet, the per capita income in 2010 was 15 times smaller than the world average. However, according to the purchasing power index, the economy of Bangladesh is the 44th largest in the world.
The Bangladesh economy is heavily reliant on the export earnings which mostly come from garment industry. However, more than two thirds of the people in the country are known to be farmers and thus a great part of the economy is also reliant on agricultural products.
The economy of Bangladesh is still attracting investors from different parts of the world and there are various national and international efforts to improve its economic prospects. It is therefore described as a developing country which has however managed to greatly improve its prospects. For instance, it is estimated that in 1988 the country was heavily reliant on foreign grant and loan (about 85%) to only 2% in 2010. Yet, the per capita income in 2010 was 15 times smaller than the world average. However, according to the purchasing power index, the economy of Bangladesh is the 44th largest in the world.
The Bangladesh economy is heavily reliant on the export earnings which mostly come from garment industry. However, more than two thirds of the people in the country are known to be farmers and thus a great part of the economy is also reliant on agricultural products.
Bangladesh Economic Structure: Main Sectors
The
economic structure of Bangladesh can be divided into the following three
sectors:
·
Primary Sector: With 45% of the workforce engaged in the primary
sector (est. 2008), Bangladesh can be called an agrarian economy. Agriculture
contributes 30% of the country's GDP and enables Bangladesh to achieve its
macroeconomic objectives, including food security, poverty alleviation, human
resources development and employment generation. Cooperatives are increasingly
motivating farmers to employ modern machinery. Bangladesh primarily produces
jute, rice, tobacco, tea, sugarcane, pulses and wheat. According to the
composition of sub sectors, the crop sector contributes 72% of the production,
followed by Fisheries at 10.33%, livestock at 10.11% and forestry at 7.33%. The
unpredictable weather and natural calamities disrupt the country’s economy
frequently. To overcome this problem, the government has constructed several
irrigation projects to conserve rainwater and control floods. The projects also
include controlling pests and using high quality seeds.
·
Secondary
Sector: This sector mainly comprises
of small and medium enterprises that give employment to 30% of the country’s
workforce (est. 2008). It generates 25% of the GDP and 40% of the gross
manufacturing output. Bangladesh’s light engineering sector is one of the
largest and most diverse, producing a wide variety of machinery and spare
parts. There are several mills and factories, producing jute, garments, cotton,
paper, textile, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers, among other things. Some major
manufacturing industries are railways, tea plantation & processing
industries, construction sector, ferry and transport. Infrastructure is
developing swiftly in terms of water distribution, power supply, communications
and transportation. Bangladesh features a prominent wealth of coal mines.
·
Tertiary
Sector: In the last two decades,
Bangladesh has seen incredible growth in its service sector. As of 2008, 25%
(2008 est.) of the country’s workforce was employed in this sector. Although
this percentage is lesser than the primary and secondary sectors, a large part
of the country’s GDP comes from service sector. The hospitality industry, in
particular, has shown considerable growth.
Bangladesh
has a thriving industrial sector with a diverse range of sectors outperforming
global growth rates. The abundant natural resources of the country combined
with competitive high quality labor and a business friendly environment, make
Bangladesh a compelling proposition for companies investing in the
region. You can read more about the main business sectors elsewhere on
this website.
Below are five broad business categories
of special opportunity:
Quality garment design and production
From
spinning to weaving, from knitwear to leisurewear and high street fashions, the
textiles and clothing industry is Bangladesh’s biggest export earner with over
USD 9.3bn of exports in 2007. Our factories design and produce for the world’s
leading brands and retailers. Garments and textiles businesses invest in
Bangladesh for a number of important reasons:
·
Cost and
quality! Products that are produced on time, reliably and very
competitively.
·
The garments and
textiles cluster. Bangladesh has real strength in depth of its local supplier
base
·
Enormous talent
pools of skilled labour
·
Training and
technical development facilities that support the industry.
ICT and business services
Businesses
ranging from inbound call centers to the latest in Web 2.0 software
development can be successfully operated in Bangladesh. Widespread use of
English helps to make Bangladesh a fast emerging option for the global business
services industry. Our open minded ICT sector is ready to win you over.
Opportunities exist in many areas of ICT including:
·
Direct investment
in your own ICT and business/financial services, established in any of the
major districts of Dhaka, and in other major city conurbations
·
Outsourcing of
ICT and business services to existing established Bangladesh businesses
·
Opportunities in
telecoms infrastructure and services.
Pharmaceuticals and life sciences
Pharmaceutical
companies worldwide can benefit from setting up a facility in Bangladesh. The
country has tremendous potential to build a pharmaceuticals and life sciences
workforce for international companies.
·
The World Trade
Organization's (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
Agreement (TRIPs) agreement permits Bangladesh to reverse-engineer patented
generic pharmaceutical products to sell locally and export to markets around
the world.
·
Bangladesh is
developing a strong manufacturing and technically experienced industrial base
with growth in excess of 10% most years.
·
Thanks to the
country’s quality of its tertiary education, the scientific talent pool is not
only plentiful but also offers excellent cost/quality opportunities.
·
Bangladesh also
offers significant potential for R&D, contract research outsourcing (CRO)
and clinical trials development.
Agribusiness
Over
90 varieties of vegetable are grown in Bangladesh, yet for such a fertile land
there are huge gaps in local resources and under-utilization of the country’s
agricultural capacity. This presents many opportunities for investors seeking
to export agricultural products, or to meet the rapidly growing local demand.
Here are just some of the investment opportunities:
·
Cold storage
facilities to serve all stages of the supply chain, and especially for fresh
produce for export.
·
Fresh produce
production for local and export markets · Production of fertilizers and
cultivation of seeds
·
Eco-friendly jute
production, with the support of several jute industry technology development
institutes
·
Shrimp farming
·
Halal foods
·
Milk and dairy
products
·
High value
added-value foods for export, including herbs, spices, nuts and pulses
Leather products
Bangladesh
has a long established tanning industry that already produces around 2-3% of
the world’s leather from a ready supply of raw materials. Bangladesh is
therefore an established and attractive location to source and outsource the
manufacture of finished leather products. Three key enabling business factors
are:
·
Attractive export
incentives
·
Tariff and quota
free access to major markets such as the EU
·
A skills pool and
rural/industrial locations to support foreign investors
|
Bangladesh
- Major Sectors of Economy
|
|
Agriculture:
1. Agriculture accounts for 19.49% of GDP and employs over 63% of work force. 2. Government is keen to implement National Agricultural Policy. 3. In 2000-2001, agriculture experienced a growth of 6.04%. 4. Government, as part of the investment policy is promoting agro-based industry and declared it as a priority sector. The Government continues to support the agricultural sector through a number of policy interventions, with the ultimate view to t promoting food self-sufficiency as envisaged in the Fifth Five Year Plan (1997-2002). However, the non-crop sector, which includes livestock and fisheries, seems to have performed much better, on account of private sector initiatives. Bangladesh is in the process of a transition from a predominantly agrarian economy to an industrial and service economy. The private sector is playing an increasingly active role in the economic life of the country, while the public sector concentrates more on the physical and social infrastructure. Industry: 1. Government is keen to expand industry base and encourage both domestic and foreign investment in the sector. 2. In 2000-2001, GDP growth in industrial sector was about 9%. 3. The Quantum Index of Production in medium and large industries stood at 235.20 in 2001 from 179.30 in 1997. Based on the philosophy of market economy, since 1991, Government has tried to pursue an industrial strategy, which has been defined in the Industrial Policy 1991 and subsequently revised in 1999. Particular attention is given following categories of industries: * Export oriented; * Technology intensive operation; * Import substitution industry; * Labor intensive industries that can take advantage of indigenous natural resource or raw material; * Investments in quality improvement and marketing of local products and capacity building of existing industries Energy: 1. Energy sector is the largest recipient of all foreign investment in Bangladesh. 2. The combined share of gas and power sectors in total FDI was about 60% during the period 1994/95 through 1998/99. 3. Out of total 130 million population, about 100 million have no access to commercial forms of energy like power and gas. The key objective of the energy policy is to increase the availability of sustainable sources of commercial energy. Banking & Finance: 1. The banking system dominates the financial sector accounting for about 97% of the market in terms of assets. 2. Government has undertaken major reform initiatives to improve the regulatory and legal environments for banks. 3. Several specialist development financial institutions have been providing long-term debt, equity financing and leasing. Transport & Communication: 1. Almost all parts of Bangladesh, even the remote ones are today connected by a road network 2. Bangladesh has the best water transport system in the region, which accounts to two-thirds of cargo transport within the country 3. Government has been encouraging private sector investment in telecommunication sector Improving transportation and communication is a major goal of Bangladesh Government. |
Potential Sectors/Industries
Construction Sector
The
construction sector has great potentials. The traditionally used building
materials are locally produced. Locally available traditional raw materials can
be used as effective construction materials. The government should publicize
information regarding locally available building materials, its high
productivity, the locations and accessibility. Local small-scale industries
should be encouraged to produce quality-building materials.
The Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) is encouraged to develop new building materials and techniques with the objectives of reducing costs and imports. On one hand, there is research into alternative and low-cost materials and techniques while on the other land; alternative building materials of indigenous sources like clay tiles get little interest.
Construction industries can create employment opportunities. Institutional training should be facilitated for the unskilled laborers. Special vocational training should be introduced and training made essential for creating highly skilled specialized labor force. Building technologies will differ from place to place. Use of appropriate and simple technology is essential to improve construction productivity.
In Bangladesh the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has developed Low Cost. Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) piles, which have cost similar to timber plies. These low cost piles address the deficiencies of the timber piles and also possess additional advantages compared to castin- situ and pre-stressed piles. These piles can be used as compaction piles as well as load bearing piles. For small structures, the possibility of application of this pile is immense e.g., in buildings, bridges, culverts etc.
The newly evolved RCC pile can be locally produced with relatively simple technology. These piles would provide a much better alternative to the timber piles, which are, at present, being widely used. The Low cost RCC piles will contribute towards better conservation of forest resources and thereby minimize degradation of the environment.
The Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) is encouraged to develop new building materials and techniques with the objectives of reducing costs and imports. On one hand, there is research into alternative and low-cost materials and techniques while on the other land; alternative building materials of indigenous sources like clay tiles get little interest.
Construction industries can create employment opportunities. Institutional training should be facilitated for the unskilled laborers. Special vocational training should be introduced and training made essential for creating highly skilled specialized labor force. Building technologies will differ from place to place. Use of appropriate and simple technology is essential to improve construction productivity.
In Bangladesh the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has developed Low Cost. Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) piles, which have cost similar to timber plies. These low cost piles address the deficiencies of the timber piles and also possess additional advantages compared to castin- situ and pre-stressed piles. These piles can be used as compaction piles as well as load bearing piles. For small structures, the possibility of application of this pile is immense e.g., in buildings, bridges, culverts etc.
The newly evolved RCC pile can be locally produced with relatively simple technology. These piles would provide a much better alternative to the timber piles, which are, at present, being widely used. The Low cost RCC piles will contribute towards better conservation of forest resources and thereby minimize degradation of the environment.
Garments
The
ready-made garment (RMG) industry of Bangladesh started in the late 1970s and
became a prominent player in the economy within a short period of time. The
industry has contributed to export earnings, foreign exchange earnings,
employment creation, poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women. The
export-quota system and the availability of cheap labor are the two main
reasons behind the success of the industry.
In the 1980s, the RMG industry of Bangladesh was concentrated mainly in manufacturing and exporting woven products. Since the early 1990s, the knit section of the industry has started to expand. Shirts, T-shirts, trousers, sweaters and jackets are the main products manufactured and exported by the industry. The phenomenal growth in the readymade garment (RMG) sector in the last decade created many new factories and employment opportunities.
Having enjoyed more than 70% of total investments in the manufacturing sector during the first half of the 1990s, RMG and knitwear now account for about 4,825 factories and a workforce of 3.1 m -80% of which are women. This sector now employs over 50% of the industrial workforce and accounts for 79% of the total export earnings of the country. The growing trend in the textile and the garments sector means that Bangladesh is perfectly positioned to appeal to foreign investors.
In the 1980s, the RMG industry of Bangladesh was concentrated mainly in manufacturing and exporting woven products. Since the early 1990s, the knit section of the industry has started to expand. Shirts, T-shirts, trousers, sweaters and jackets are the main products manufactured and exported by the industry. The phenomenal growth in the readymade garment (RMG) sector in the last decade created many new factories and employment opportunities.
Having enjoyed more than 70% of total investments in the manufacturing sector during the first half of the 1990s, RMG and knitwear now account for about 4,825 factories and a workforce of 3.1 m -80% of which are women. This sector now employs over 50% of the industrial workforce and accounts for 79% of the total export earnings of the country. The growing trend in the textile and the garments sector means that Bangladesh is perfectly positioned to appeal to foreign investors.
Leather
Bangladesh
produces between 2% and 3% of the world’s leather. Most of the livestock base
for this production is domestic, which is estimated as comprising 1.8 % of the
world’s cattle stock and 3.7 % of the goat stock.
The hides and skins (average annual output is 15m sq.m.) have a good international reputation. Foreign direct investment in this sector along with the production of tanning chemicals appears to be highly rewarding due to this presence of basic raw materials for leather goods including shoes, a large pool of low cost, trainable labor, and a tariff concession facility to major importing countries under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) coverage. Thus Bangladesh is an ideal offshore location for leather and leather products manufacturing with low cost but high quality.
The government is in the process of setting up a separate Leather Zone, relocating the existing industry sites to a well-organized environment. Exports include some ready-made garments, although that aspect is confined mainly to a small export trade in “Italian-make” garments for the US market. Footwear is more important in terms of value addition. This is the fast growing sector for leather products.
The hides and skins (average annual output is 15m sq.m.) have a good international reputation. Foreign direct investment in this sector along with the production of tanning chemicals appears to be highly rewarding due to this presence of basic raw materials for leather goods including shoes, a large pool of low cost, trainable labor, and a tariff concession facility to major importing countries under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) coverage. Thus Bangladesh is an ideal offshore location for leather and leather products manufacturing with low cost but high quality.
The government is in the process of setting up a separate Leather Zone, relocating the existing industry sites to a well-organized environment. Exports include some ready-made garments, although that aspect is confined mainly to a small export trade in “Italian-make” garments for the US market. Footwear is more important in terms of value addition. This is the fast growing sector for leather products.
Sea food
In
the 1980s, Bangladesh emerged suddenly and dramatically as a major producer of
shrimp, frog legs, and fish for export. The seafood industry’s sudden success
resulted primarily from private entrepreneurial initiatives, in response to a
hospitable international market. The natural resources to support a growing
fisheries sector are abundant, including enormous potential to develop inland
water bodies, as well as even greater productive areas of coastal and offshore
waters.
Coastal brackish-water shrimp farming was more developed and was likely to grow further as investment increased, higher technology was brought to the activity, and the world market continued buoyant. Fresh and frozen shrimp accounted for two-thirds of Bangladesh’s seafood exports in the mid- 1980s; Japan purchased more than half. The United States, Belgium, and Britain were the other major buyers; the United States was the prime customer for frog legs, the largest category after shrimp.
Coastal brackish-water shrimp farming was more developed and was likely to grow further as investment increased, higher technology was brought to the activity, and the world market continued buoyant. Fresh and frozen shrimp accounted for two-thirds of Bangladesh’s seafood exports in the mid- 1980s; Japan purchased more than half. The United States, Belgium, and Britain were the other major buyers; the United States was the prime customer for frog legs, the largest category after shrimp.
Jute Products
The
export of hand woven jute clothes began in the year 1805. But the jute cottage
industry began to vanish gradually from Bangladesh like world famous Muslin of
Dhaka due to discouragement and other political reasons. It was Europe which
nurtured jute to gain international stature.
Europe’s requirement moved the wheels of jute industry in this area. And till today, it plays a significant role in shaping the nature of Bangladesh jute industry. World’s finest and best quality jute grows in different regions of Bangladesh due to presence of favorable natural climatic conditions and alluvial soil. Jute is a major world fiber and cash crop and have a tremendous market all over the world.
Europe’s requirement moved the wheels of jute industry in this area. And till today, it plays a significant role in shaping the nature of Bangladesh jute industry. World’s finest and best quality jute grows in different regions of Bangladesh due to presence of favorable natural climatic conditions and alluvial soil. Jute is a major world fiber and cash crop and have a tremendous market all over the world.
Agro-products
Agriculture
is the single most important sector of Bangladesh’s economy. 80% of the
population 66% of the labor force) is engaged in agriculture. When we talk of
rural development, the emphasis is on the development of agriculture, and agro
based industry, trade and service sectors. With its nearly 130 million
inhabitants, Bangladesh is one of the most populous countries of the world and
potentially a sizeable market. Besides representing a potential market in
itself (and potential access to the much larger South Asian market) Bangladesh
also offers considerable potential as a base for export also.
Agriculture till now is the main occupational activity in the rural areas as most of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood and employment. A small stimulation will dynamite the rural economy and lead to improved quality of life. This is the highest priority sector to enable the country to meet these challenges and promoting agro-based industries, to make this sector commercially profitable.
Agriculture till now is the main occupational activity in the rural areas as most of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood and employment. A small stimulation will dynamite the rural economy and lead to improved quality of life. This is the highest priority sector to enable the country to meet these challenges and promoting agro-based industries, to make this sector commercially profitable.
Electronics
The
high skill, low cost labor resource of the electronics sector in Bangladesh
offers companies great returns on investment. Whilst the global market for
semiconductors is worth in excess of $200bn and is dominated by the Asian
economies, Bangladesh has significant financial and economic factors in its
favor that make it the best choice for many companies.
The electronics industry in Bangladesh mostly produces consumer items. Home appliances includes televisions, radios, DVDs and CD players, refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, electronic fans, blenders etc. are being assembled to a large extent. To ensure the performance reliability, the key challenges in this sector are technical assistance and proper technology orientation of the industry.
Developing the significant capacity and skill in assembly and manufacture of a wide range of electronic components and parts is crucial. As yet, Bangladesh does not have any telecommunication equipment industry in the private sector. However, an urgent need for diversification and modernization is felt among the existing entrepreneurs, government and professionals. The government is keen to provide and ensure enabling assistance to the development of this sector.
The electronics industry in Bangladesh mostly produces consumer items. Home appliances includes televisions, radios, DVDs and CD players, refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, electronic fans, blenders etc. are being assembled to a large extent. To ensure the performance reliability, the key challenges in this sector are technical assistance and proper technology orientation of the industry.
Developing the significant capacity and skill in assembly and manufacture of a wide range of electronic components and parts is crucial. As yet, Bangladesh does not have any telecommunication equipment industry in the private sector. However, an urgent need for diversification and modernization is felt among the existing entrepreneurs, government and professionals. The government is keen to provide and ensure enabling assistance to the development of this sector.
IT
IT
and business services in Bangladesh is a vibrant sector supported by an
enthusiastic culture and a government committed to providing a pro-business
climate for all investors. Over 400 IT companies are now thriving in the
country supplying to local and international markets worldwide.
Outsourcing
As
outsourcing costs in traditional countries like China, India and Philippines
are rising dramatically, Bangladesh is becoming an attractive outsourcing
destination as global clients are increasingly looking to diversify their
sourcing portfolio. Bangladesh has already made its mark in the global
outsourcing market for its cost effectiveness, commitment, and most importantly
its professionalism. European Union has already ranked Bangladesh as one of the
top 20 outsourcing destinations in the world.
Gartner, the global research company on IT sector, has recently placed Bangladesh on its list of top 30 destinations for global IT outsourcing for 2010- 11. Bangladesh posses one of the most attractive population demography in the world where out of the total 160 million populations in Bangladesh, 50% of the population is below 25 years of age. The country is powered by young motivated and passionate workforce with comparatively lower attrition rates. The significant pool of young, talented and techno savvy work force in Bangladesh is available at a lower wage than India, Philippines, Vietnam and Eastern European Countries.
Outsourcing to Bangladesh can have a significant cost advantage, as man hour cost for Bangladesh workforce can be 50% lower than that of Europe and America. In addition to the low wages, Bangladesh also offers significant cost savings in terms of the cost of infrastructure. Rent for office space in Dhaka (Capital) is below 20% of that in Delhi and 40% of Manila. State of the art telecommunications infrastructure is supported by extensive fibre optics connectivity across the country. Charges for Internet bandwidth in Bangladesh is currently the lowest in South Asia (almost 50% of that in India).
Geographic location of Bangladesh also provides time zone advantage for European countries, as the half day time difference means that work related queries sent to Bangladesh in the evening can be responded by early morning next day (European time). The Government of Bangladesh’s vision of Digital Bangladesh by the year 2021 is also providing the necessary impetuous for growth of the IT outsourcing sector in Bangladesh – as the Government is providing significant budgetary incentives like tax exemptions, duty cuts, etc., to attract more local and foreign investments in the IT sector in Bangladesh.
Government has declared Software and IT Services as a ‘High Priority’ export sector. The unique age demography of Bangladesh, coupled with the low-cost work force and Government’s Incentive for the IT service sector, makes Bangladesh a major player at the global service outsourcing market. Bangladesh is fast emerging as the next major global outsourcing destination.
Gartner, the global research company on IT sector, has recently placed Bangladesh on its list of top 30 destinations for global IT outsourcing for 2010- 11. Bangladesh posses one of the most attractive population demography in the world where out of the total 160 million populations in Bangladesh, 50% of the population is below 25 years of age. The country is powered by young motivated and passionate workforce with comparatively lower attrition rates. The significant pool of young, talented and techno savvy work force in Bangladesh is available at a lower wage than India, Philippines, Vietnam and Eastern European Countries.
Outsourcing to Bangladesh can have a significant cost advantage, as man hour cost for Bangladesh workforce can be 50% lower than that of Europe and America. In addition to the low wages, Bangladesh also offers significant cost savings in terms of the cost of infrastructure. Rent for office space in Dhaka (Capital) is below 20% of that in Delhi and 40% of Manila. State of the art telecommunications infrastructure is supported by extensive fibre optics connectivity across the country. Charges for Internet bandwidth in Bangladesh is currently the lowest in South Asia (almost 50% of that in India).
Geographic location of Bangladesh also provides time zone advantage for European countries, as the half day time difference means that work related queries sent to Bangladesh in the evening can be responded by early morning next day (European time). The Government of Bangladesh’s vision of Digital Bangladesh by the year 2021 is also providing the necessary impetuous for growth of the IT outsourcing sector in Bangladesh – as the Government is providing significant budgetary incentives like tax exemptions, duty cuts, etc., to attract more local and foreign investments in the IT sector in Bangladesh.
Government has declared Software and IT Services as a ‘High Priority’ export sector. The unique age demography of Bangladesh, coupled with the low-cost work force and Government’s Incentive for the IT service sector, makes Bangladesh a major player at the global service outsourcing market. Bangladesh is fast emerging as the next major global outsourcing destination.
Slum
Background
Though still comparatively rural, Bangladesh has an urban population of about 35 million, or just over 25 percent of its total population. Moreover, the urban population has been growing very rapidly since liberation in 1971 and continues to do so at over 3.5 percent annually. The country will likely have an urban population approaching 50 million by 2015.This rapid growth has been due primarily to migration by the rural poor, particularly to large metropolitan areas. On arrival, these poor migrants routinely turn to slums and squatter settlements for shelter. All major urban centres in Bangladesh have slums and squatter settlements, the largest concentrations being in Dhaka, followed by Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi.
Though still comparatively rural, Bangladesh has an urban population of about 35 million, or just over 25 percent of its total population. Moreover, the urban population has been growing very rapidly since liberation in 1971 and continues to do so at over 3.5 percent annually. The country will likely have an urban population approaching 50 million by 2015.This rapid growth has been due primarily to migration by the rural poor, particularly to large metropolitan areas. On arrival, these poor migrants routinely turn to slums and squatter settlements for shelter. All major urban centres in Bangladesh have slums and squatter settlements, the largest concentrations being in Dhaka, followed by Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi.
To
begin with, there is no difference between a slum and a squatter settlement.
The latter are simply slums illegally located on land belonging to the
government, semi-governmental units, public organizations and other
organizations. Drawing on both international literature attempting to define slums
as well as widely accepted definitions or norms applied in the Bangladeshi
context; slums are defined as settlements with a minimum of 10 households or a
mess unit with a minimum of 25 members and:
*
predominantly very poor housing;
*
very high population density and room crowding;
*
very poor environmental services, especially water and sanitation;
*
very low socio-economic status;
*
lack of security of tenure
The
socioeconomic status of the community is defined by low income, with the
majority, or over 50 percent, of households having income below the poverty
level of Tk. 5,000 per month , the majority of the labour force in informal
sector occupations (e.g. rickshaw pullers, hawkers, domestic workers, etc.) or
very low paying formal sector positions (in organizations ranging from
factories to offices) and low levels of rent. Another important dimension is
whether the settlement is socially perceived as a slum. Finally, security of
tenure is captured by vulnerability to eviction.
Slums
of Dhaka city
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is the largest city in the country. It comprises 34 percent of the overall national urban population and is unrivalled among Bangladeshi cities in terms of its economic, social and political opportunities. Dhaka has been growing very rapidly over the last five decades, particularly due to rural to urban migration and urbanization and incorporation of erstwhile outlying areas. Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has an area of 145 sq. kilometres and an estimated population of 7.2 million (2005). Dhaka Metropolitan Area (DMA), with an estimated 2005 population of 9.1 million, comprises DCC and adjoining areas totalling 306 sq. kilometres. Slums have existed in Dhaka City for a long time but their growth accelerated after the liberation of the country in 1971, mainly due to mass migration by the rural poor. The first significant survey of the slums and squatter population in Dhaka was conducted by the Centre for Urban Studies in 1974 at the behest of the Government of Bangladesh and UNCHS. The slum population found in that survey was 275,000. Another survey was conducted by CUS in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area in 1991 for ICDDR, B. This study recovered a slum population of 718,143 in some 2,156 slum and squatter clusters. CUS conducted yet another survey in 1996 in the same area (the DMA) for the Asian Development Bank and found the total slum population to be 1.5 million in 3,007 clusters.
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is the largest city in the country. It comprises 34 percent of the overall national urban population and is unrivalled among Bangladeshi cities in terms of its economic, social and political opportunities. Dhaka has been growing very rapidly over the last five decades, particularly due to rural to urban migration and urbanization and incorporation of erstwhile outlying areas. Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has an area of 145 sq. kilometres and an estimated population of 7.2 million (2005). Dhaka Metropolitan Area (DMA), with an estimated 2005 population of 9.1 million, comprises DCC and adjoining areas totalling 306 sq. kilometres. Slums have existed in Dhaka City for a long time but their growth accelerated after the liberation of the country in 1971, mainly due to mass migration by the rural poor. The first significant survey of the slums and squatter population in Dhaka was conducted by the Centre for Urban Studies in 1974 at the behest of the Government of Bangladesh and UNCHS. The slum population found in that survey was 275,000. Another survey was conducted by CUS in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area in 1991 for ICDDR, B. This study recovered a slum population of 718,143 in some 2,156 slum and squatter clusters. CUS conducted yet another survey in 1996 in the same area (the DMA) for the Asian Development Bank and found the total slum population to be 1.5 million in 3,007 clusters.
Year
of Establishment of Slum Settlements in Existence in 2005
Slums have been a feature of life in the cities of Bangladesh for a long time. Table 2 presents the year of establishment of those slums found in 2005. It shows that there were quite a significant number of slums in the cities even prior to 1971, the year of independence of the country. By a five-year period intervals the data suggest that the highest period for establishment of slums for all six study cities combined was 197680, which had a concentration of 15 percent of new slums.
Slums have been a feature of life in the cities of Bangladesh for a long time. Table 2 presents the year of establishment of those slums found in 2005. It shows that there were quite a significant number of slums in the cities even prior to 1971, the year of independence of the country. By a five-year period intervals the data suggest that the highest period for establishment of slums for all six study cities combined was 197680, which had a concentration of 15 percent of new slums.
Density
of population in slums
The average population density in slums was 831 persons per acre or 205,415 people per km2 (Table 3). This density figure is extraordinary, given that almost all residential structures in slum areas were single storey. Density varied from 272 persons per acre in Rajshahi to 1,032 in Chittagong. Dhaka had the second highest density at 891 persons per acre. In Chittagong, the population density in slum areas was 11 times that of the overall city.
The average population density in slums was 831 persons per acre or 205,415 people per km2 (Table 3). This density figure is extraordinary, given that almost all residential structures in slum areas were single storey. Density varied from 272 persons per acre in Rajshahi to 1,032 in Chittagong. Dhaka had the second highest density at 891 persons per acre. In Chittagong, the population density in slum areas was 11 times that of the overall city.
Housing
conditions
The quality of housing is one of the most basic indicators characterising slum settlements. The majority of slum houses (56%) in the six cities were of very poor quality (weak and temporary structures or kutcha units), while another 42.4 percent were semi-pucca type. A very small proportion (1.1%) was dilapidated older buildings, while only 0.5 percent was good quality homes. The physical quality of slum housing was generally better in Dhaka and very poor in Khulna and Barisal. However, the fact that slums in Dhaka and some of the other towns showed a relatively high prevalence of semi-pucca structures does not automatically allow one to conclude that the overall housing situation there was good since such houses normally had very high room crowding and very low per capita floor space.
The quality of housing is one of the most basic indicators characterising slum settlements. The majority of slum houses (56%) in the six cities were of very poor quality (weak and temporary structures or kutcha units), while another 42.4 percent were semi-pucca type. A very small proportion (1.1%) was dilapidated older buildings, while only 0.5 percent was good quality homes. The physical quality of slum housing was generally better in Dhaka and very poor in Khulna and Barisal. However, the fact that slums in Dhaka and some of the other towns showed a relatively high prevalence of semi-pucca structures does not automatically allow one to conclude that the overall housing situation there was good since such houses normally had very high room crowding and very low per capita floor space.
Rental
pattern in slums
Almost three-fourths (73.9%) of slum households rented their residence, a figure which varied from 17.7 percent in Rajshahi to 96.3 percent in Sylhet (Table 4). In Rajshahi, a high proportion of slum households (58.9%) were owner occupied. A significant proportion of households (around 25%) in Barisal, Khulna and Rajshahi did not pay any rent.
Almost three-fourths (73.9%) of slum households rented their residence, a figure which varied from 17.7 percent in Rajshahi to 96.3 percent in Sylhet (Table 4). In Rajshahi, a high proportion of slum households (58.9%) were owner occupied. A significant proportion of households (around 25%) in Barisal, Khulna and Rajshahi did not pay any rent.
Slum
land ownership pattern
Most slum clusters (88.6%) were established on privately owned land. Only 9.3 percent were on public land (i.e. on government and semi-government land). A small number (only 195 of the 9,048, or 2.2 percent) were built on land owned by various other organizations. Sylhet revealed a different picture: there were almost no slums on public land. Other studies have suggested that the proportion of slums on private land has been increasing, mainly due to a rapid decline in the availability of public land. Table 5 shows the pecentage distribution of slum land ownership in the six cities.
Most slum clusters (88.6%) were established on privately owned land. Only 9.3 percent were on public land (i.e. on government and semi-government land). A small number (only 195 of the 9,048, or 2.2 percent) were built on land owned by various other organizations. Sylhet revealed a different picture: there were almost no slums on public land. Other studies have suggested that the proportion of slums on private land has been increasing, mainly due to a rapid decline in the availability of public land. Table 5 shows the pecentage distribution of slum land ownership in the six cities.
Overall
Characteristics of Slums
More than 93% of slums were reported to have very high population density and very poor environmental services, and 85% had very poor housing conditions (Table 7). Interestingly, less than 10% of slums seemed to suffer from lack of tenure security. This can be explained by the fact that most were on private land and run on a commercial basis. Sudden evictions were not very common in such slums.
More than 93% of slums were reported to have very high population density and very poor environmental services, and 85% had very poor housing conditions (Table 7). Interestingly, less than 10% of slums seemed to suffer from lack of tenure security. This can be explained by the fact that most were on private land and run on a commercial basis. Sudden evictions were not very common in such slums.
NGO
coverage of slums
Nearly three-fourths of the slums (71.5%) received services from one or more NGOs. Barisal and Rajshahi were the best serviced and while the slums of Chittagong benefited least from the efforts of NGOs.
Nearly three-fourths of the slums (71.5%) received services from one or more NGOs. Barisal and Rajshahi were the best serviced and while the slums of Chittagong benefited least from the efforts of NGOs.
This
survey revealed that slum circumstances vary greatly across the six cities. In
many instances, there are two overall prevailing situations: the circumstances
in the largest cities (Dhaka and Chittagong) and those in the smaller ones.
This realization should lead to the casting of a wider net in future studies
focusing on slums: the circumstances of the slums of the largest cities of
Bangladesh are in all likelihood not particularly representative of those in
smaller and medium sized cities. Unfortunately, studies into the causes or
consequences of slum life to date in Bangladesh have generally focused on a
limited number of slums in Dhaka.
Slum of Bangladesh: An Overview
Abstract:
Bangladesh
is a country of about 146.10 million of people containing nearly 5.3 million of
slum people. Two censuses and many surveys on slum people were conducted by the
government of Bangladesh to know and figure out the key problems of slum
dwellers. A brief overview about the slum of Bangladesh has presented in this
paper by analyzing the censuses and survey report. An informative scrutiny on number,
structure and housing condition of slum, nature of slum people, common standard
of living and wretchedness of slum people, income patterns, poverty scenario
and NGOs coverage has presented in this paper. Finally, some suggestion has
designed to remove the problems of slum people.
1. Introduction
Slum
is a word, a name that reflects the miseries of deprived people who have to
struggle with poverty to survive in this beautiful world. Slums and shanties
are available in every countries regardless which are developed or developing
countries. Usually poor people migrated from village and very poor people in
urban areas live in slum. They choose the slum to live, because they have no
afforded. Basically, for eight reasons people usually migrated to slum life. In
this paper it has been tried to give a brief description of slum of Bangladesh
with some policy suggestion.
1. Slum: definition
1.
A slum is a
cluster of housing units which grow unsystematically in government owned or
private vacant land. The walls and roofs of such houses are generally made of
straw leaves, Gunny bag, polythene paper, bamboo etc. a tin shed house or even
a building may be added, if it is situated within the purview and environment
of a slum. The physical and hygienic conditions of such houses are far below
those of a common urban residential area. Generally, this segment of people are
distressed and forced to live in such unhygienic condition due to economics
reason[i].
1.
A slum is a
cluster of compact settlements of 5 or more households which generally grow
very unsystematically and haphazardly in an unhealthy condition and atmosphere
on government and private vacant land. Slums also exist in the owner based
household premises[ii].
1.
slums are defined
as settlements with a minimum of 10 households or a mess unit with a minimum of
25 members and predominantly very poor housing; very high population density
and room crowding; very poor environmental services, especially water and
sanitation; very low socio-economic status; lack of security of tenure[iii].
1. Causes behind slum creation:
Usually
it is claimed that, a large number of poor people come to the divisional cities
and adjacent paurashavas for livelihood and many other purposes, which highly contribute
to create slums. In the slum census of 1997, firstly it was tried to find out
the key reasons of migration to slum areas.
Table-2
|
Reason for coming to slum
(as % of total households)
|
||||
|
River erosion
|
17.2
|
|||
|
Uprooted
|
12.53
|
|||
|
Driven out
|
2
|
|||
|
Abandoned
|
1.22
|
|||
|
Meager income
|
19.97
|
|||
|
Insecurity
|
2.43
|
|||
|
For job
|
39.53
|
|||
|
Others
|
5.12
|
|||
|
Total
|
100
|
|||
|
Total households
|
334431
|
|||
The
eight reasons founded for migrated to slum areas in which 39.53% of slum
households for looking job followed by insufficient income, River erosion,
uprooted and others etc.but the recent data is not available.
1. Slums of Bangladesh: an overview
1) Total Number of slums in Bangladesh:
Table-3
|
Years
|
Number of slums and squatter clusters
|
Number of slum households
|
Slum population
|
|
1986
|
-
|
176745
|
831645
|
|
1997
|
2991
|
334431
|
1,391,459
|
|
2005
|
9048
|
1043329
|
5233217
|
The
slum area census 1986 covered the three Statistical Metropolitan Areas (SMA),
Chittagong, Dhaka and Khulna including Paurashavas and city and counted 176745
households in slums whereas this figure was recorded as 259244 in Census of
slum areas and Floating Population 1997, for these same areas.
With
some variation, Mapping and Census of urban Slum of Bangladesh, 2005 accounted
it as 977891 for the city corporation areas of these cities.
Furthermore,
the number of population living in these areas was founded as 831645, 1063010
and 4876453 in the census of 1986, 1997 and 2005 respectively.
Moreover,
the Number of slums and squatter clusters in the same areas were recorded as
2991
in 1997 while it increased to 7300 in 200
2) Number of slums in Dhaka city:
Table-4
|
years of survey
|
Number of slums and squatter clusters
|
Number of slum households
|
Slum population
|
|
1974
|
-
|
-
|
275,000
|
|
1986
|
-
|
121328
|
-
|
|
1991
|
2,156
|
-
|
718,143
|
|
1996
|
3,007
|
-
|
1500000
|
|
1997
|
1579
|
185917
|
754866
|
|
2005*
|
4966
|
673883
|
3286770
|
*
Due
to the variation in the definition of slum, the figures of the table ill
matched for different years, but table depicted the tremendous increase in the
slum, slum household as well as Slum population in Dhaka city.
3) Number of slums in Bangladesh: by division:
Table-5
|
Number of slum and cluster
between 1997 and 2005 census
|
|||||
|
City
|
1997
|
% of total
|
2005
|
% of total
|
|
|
Dhaka Mega city
|
1579
|
52.79
|
4966
|
54.9
|
|
|
Chittagong SMA
|
186
|
6.22
|
1814
|
20
|
|
|
Khulna SMA
|
202
|
6.75
|
520
|
5.7
|
|
|
Rajshahi SMA
|
84
|
2.81
|
641
|
7.1
|
|
|
Barisal
|
*
|
351
|
3.9
|
||
|
Sylhet
|
**
|
756
|
8.3
|
||
|
14 cities
|
293
|
9.8
|
***
|
***
|
|
|
100-Paurashavas
|
647
|
21.63
|
***
|
***
|
|
|
Total
|
2991
|
100
|
9048
|
100
|
|
*Included
with Khulna** Included with Chittagong*** Not coverage
According
to the report of the Census of slum areas and Floating Population 1997, the
largest number of slum situated in Dhaka city followed by 100-Paurashavas and
14 cities respectively. While in 2005, Dhaka remained the first followed by
Chittagong, Rajshahi SMA and Barisal accordingly.
In
addition to that, the report confirmed that, 1579 slums and cluster were
situated in Dhaka SMA whereas this figure reached at 4966 in 2005 with a broad
definition of slums. (See definition of slum).the percentages of these numbers
recorded as 52.9 and 54.9 respectively.
Between
1997 and 2005, the percentages of slum in Chittagong SMA, Khulna SMA and Sylhet
fluctuated in the range of 5 to 8.in 2005 census, 641 slums founded in Rajshahi
SMA while it was only 84 in 1997.
The
data insure that, the expansion of slums is not confined not only to divisional
cities but also in the urbanized areas and Paurashavas.
4)
Number of slum Households and their % between 1986 and 2005 census
Table-6: Number
of slum Households and their % between 1986 and 2005 census
|
City
|
1986
|
% of total
|
1997
|
% of total
|
2005
|
% of total
|
|
Dhaka Mega city
|
121328
|
68.65
|
185917
|
55.59
|
673,883
|
64.6
|
|
Chittagong SMA
|
30854
|
17.45
|
45143
|
13.5
|
266,182
|
25.5
|
|
Khulna SMA
|
24563
|
13.9
|
28184
|
8.43
|
37,826
|
3.6
|
|
Rajshahi SMA
|
-
|
-
|
6998
|
2.09
|
27,665
|
2.6
|
|
Barisal
|
***
|
***
|
*
|
*
|
19,460
|
1.9
|
|
Sylhet
|
***
|
***
|
**
|
**
|
18,313
|
1.7
|
|
14 cities
|
-
|
-
|
24448
|
7.31
|
***
|
***
|
|
100-Paurashavas
|
-
|
-
|
43741
|
13.08
|
***
|
***
|
|
Total
|
176745
|
100
|
334431
|
100
|
1,043,329
|
100
|
*Included
with Khulna** Included with Chittagong*** Not coverage
During
1986, the number of slum households was 176745 in the three divisional
Cities
including Paurashavas, while this figure increased and reported at 334431 in
the six divisional Cities including Paurashavas and some urbanized areas,
called SMA.in the census on the slums of six city corporation in 2005, this
number recorded as1, 043, 329.however, Dhaka still occupied the first position
in terms of living slum household, which was 68.65 and 64.6% in 1997 and 2005
respectively. Chittagong SMA secured the second position followed by Khulna
SMA, Rajshahi SMA and sylhet containing 25.5%, 3.6%, 2.6%, 1.9% and 1.7%
respectively.
5) Percentage of male and female In Distribution of population between
1986 and 1997 census
Table-7
|
% of male and female In Distribution
of population between 1986 and 1997 census
|
||||||||
|
City
|
1986
|
1986
|
1986
|
1997
|
1997
|
1997
|
||
|
City
|
Total population
|
% of male
|
%of Female
|
Total population
|
% of male
|
%of Female
|
||
|
Dhaka Mega city
|
575604
|
52.75
|
47.25
|
745866
|
54.66
|
53.82
|
||
|
Chittagong SMA
|
138282
|
58.58
|
41.42
|
188839
|
14.05
|
13.07
|
||
|
Khulna SMA
|
117750
|
52.5
|
47.5
|
119305
|
8.05
|
9.15
|
||
|
Rajshahi SMA
|
***
|
***
|
***
|
29766
|
2.11
|
2.17
|
||
|
Barisal
|
***
|
***
|
***
|
*
|
*
|
*
|
||
|
Sylhet
|
***
|
***
|
***
|
**
|
**
|
**
|
||
|
14 cities
|
***
|
***
|
***
|
109012
|
7.77
|
7.9
|
||
|
100-Paurashavas
|
***
|
***
|
***
|
189670
|
13.39
|
13.88
|
||
|
Total population
|
831645
|
53.69
|
46.31
|
1391458
|
51
|
48.99
|
||
In
1986, the total population in slum was 831645 with 53.69 % and 46.31% of male
and female respectively in three divisional cities with adjacent
Paurashavas.while in 1997.this figure reached at 1391458 with 51% and 48.99 %
of male and female respectively in six divisional cities with adjacent
Paurashavas and urban areas. The slum population figured out as 5233217 in 2005
for six divisional cities.
6) Population Density: Slum Area and Overall City, 2005
Table-8: Population
Density: Slum Area and Overall City, 2005
|
City
|
person Per acre
|
person Per acre
|
|
City
|
slum area
|
city total
|
|
Dhaka
|
891
|
121
|
|
Chittagong
|
1032
|
94
|
|
Khulna
|
536
|
82
|
|
Rajshahi
|
272
|
39
|
|
Sylhet
|
626
|
52
|
|
Barisal
|
541
|
29
|
|
all cities
|
831
|
95
|
The
density figure reflects the miseries of slum people.The average population
density in slums were 831 persons per acre in 2005. Density varied from 272
persons per acre in Rajshahi to 1,032 in Chittagong. Dhaka had the second
highest density at 891 persons per acre. The overall gross population density
for Dhaka was less than 121 persons per acre. Thus, the population density in
slums there was at least 7 times higher than the average for the city as a
whole. In Chittagong, the population density in slum areas was 11 times that of
the overall city.
1) Housing Structure and condition of slum
Diagram-1
Table-9
|
Housing Structure
(percentage of households)
|
|||
|
1986
|
1997
|
2005
|
|
|
Jhupri/Shacks/Mud
|
20.55
|
41.41
|
11.3
|
|
Bamboo structure/ Tong
|
44.66
|
0
|
0
|
|
Tin shed
|
30.48
|
28.33
|
0
|
|
Tong
|
0
|
8.57
|
0
|
|
Chhai
|
0
|
17.69
|
0
|
|
Pucca
|
0
|
0.91
|
0
|
|
semi pucca
|
0
|
3.09
|
42.4
|
|
Kutcha flimsy structure
|
0
|
0
|
44.8
|
|
Dilapidated old buildings
|
0
|
0
|
1.1
|
|
Others/better quality
|
4.31
|
0
|
0.5
|
|
Total
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
The
Housing Structure of slum dwellers is very poor. According to the report of the
slum census-1986, 44.66% households lived in Bamboo structured
houses followed by Tin shed 30.48% and Jhupri/Shacks/Mud 20.55%.however, in
1997, Jhupri dominate housing structured by capturing the highest portion
41.41% and reduced to 11.3% in 2005.Conversely, 44.8 % households lived in
Kutcha housing followed by semi pucca 42.4% and old buildings 1.1%
respectively.
2) Ownership of agricultural land
The
alarming indicator is that, with the course of time, the slum households are
becoming landless with an increasing trend. In 1986, the percentage of landless
people was 78.08 which were reached to 83.47 in 1997.As depicted from the
diagram.
Diagram-2
Consequently,
the slum people live in the land of Govt. or private
organization. As data shows that, in 2005, the majority portion of slum land,
88.6% was owned privately followed by government. (9.3%) and others (2.2%)
respectively. whereas these figures were counted as 51.92%, 43.83% and 4.25%
for government.
3) Rental status of slums
In2005, 73.9% of slum households live in rented land while it was 63.33% in 1986.conversely, 63.33% of slum households were lived in rent-free land whereas it was reduced to 11.74% in 2005 .it is bad news that, only 14.5% households lived in their own land in 2005.
In2005, 73.9% of slum households live in rented land while it was 63.33% in 1986.conversely, 63.33% of slum households were lived in rent-free land whereas it was reduced to 11.74% in 2005 .it is bad news that, only 14.5% households lived in their own land in 2005.
Table-10
|
1986
|
1997
|
2005
|
|
|
Owner
|
44.54
|
14.5
|
|
|
Rented
|
63.33
|
48.45
|
73.9
|
|
rent
free/others
|
36.67
|
7.01
|
11.7
|
4) Sources of light
Diagram-3
For
lighting the housing unit, 70.99% of households used Kerosene in 1986, while it
was reduced to 27.59% and only 7% in 1997 and 2005
respectively.conversely,28.51% households depended on electricity for lighting
in 1986, whereas it has increased to 57.7% and 91.10% in 1997 and 2005
accordingly. Furthermore, a tiny portion of households depends on other sources
for lighting such as 1.10% in 2005 compared to 0.16% in 2005.
5) Sources of fuel
The
slum dwellers usually use straw leaves, gas etc. as fuel for preparation of
their meals. Wood is still the main sources of the fuel in the slum areas. the
data states that, in 1986, the majority percent (71.60%)of the slum household
used wood as fuel followed by 10.60% straw/leaves/cowdung,7.44% gas,4.79% husk
and 3.38% kerosene etc.
But
the census report- 2005 claimed that, gas has become the second sources of fuel
in the slum and 44.6% of households depend on gas. It was not available in
Khulna, Rajshahi and Barisal. In Dhaka, 81.2% of clusters and 57.6% of
households in slums had access to cooking gas while in Chittagong and Sylhet
gas was available to only 27.9% and 16.1% of slum households, respectively.
6) Toilet facility
Diagram-4, 5, 6
It
is highly alarming that, the toilet and sanitation facilities are absolutely
unsafe as well as unsatisfactory. The three pie diagrams depicting toilet
facilities show that, unsafe and unhealthy toilet facilities occupied the
majority percent of toilet in the slums. such as temporary (79.45%) ,Kancha
(53.80%) and pit (52.8%) in 1986,1997 and 2005 respectively. even open space
were used and still using as toilet which accounted 8.99% and 4.1%in 1997 and
2005 respectively. while the safety toilets were few in numbers such as
sanitary (20.55%) and sanitary (7.93%),pucca(20.14%) in 1986 and 1997
respectively.
In
addition to that, Latrines linked to sewers and septic tanks and water sealed
latrines are considered safe from a hygienic standpoint. Only 28.8% of slum
households had access to one of these three types of latrines in 2005. Dhaka
slum residents had the best access to safe latrines (35.6%) while those in
Sylhet and Barisal had very poor access (only 2.1% and 0.4%, respectively) for
the same time. Pit latrines, a variety widely regarded as unsafe, were common
in slum areas. In almost all slums, latrines were usually shared by two or more
households. In 13.4% of slums, one latrine was shared by 11 or more families.
7) Sources of drinking water:
Diagram-7
The
census report-1997 states that, the 55.42% of slum households used Tube-well as
the sources of their drinking water followed by municipal tap 21.59%, others
15.35% and river/canal 2.88% respectively. Only 1.01% households were collected
drinking water from the ponds.
Conversely,
61.10% households were getting their drinking water from the municipal taps
followed by tube-well 37% and others 1.90% respectively as reported in slum
census-2005.
8) Literacy rate of slum people
Table-11
|
Literacy of slum people by
locality 1986 and 1997
|
||||
|
City
|
1986
|
1997
|
||
|
Dhaka Mega city
|
12.61
|
14.35
|
||
|
Chittagong SMA
|
16.48
|
16.99
|
||
|
Khulna SMA
|
15.08
|
16.67
|
||
|
Rajshahi SMA
|
***
|
13.36
|
||
|
Barisal
|
***
|
*
|
||
|
Sylhet
|
***
|
**
|
||
|
14 cities
|
***
|
14.66
|
||
|
100-Paurashavas
|
***
|
12.53
|
||
|
National
|
13.6
|
14.66
|
||
Literacy
refers to the ability to write a letter. The literacy rate of slum’s population
was14.66% where the male literacy rate was 17.88 and female literacy rate was
11.32% respectively, which was slightly higher than that of 1986 figures. But
it was significantly smaller than the literacy rate of 32.4% in 1991 census. It
appears that literacy rates very low in slum areas.
9) Employment Scenario:
Diagram-8
A
person is termed as employed who is engaged in some gainful work. In slum
areas, most of the adults are found to be engaged in some activities in
exchange of some benefits either in cash or kind. The census report 1986
figured out that, 40.98% of the slum population was employed where 65.53% was
male and 11.91% was female while 59.02% people including children and student
was unemployed due to having no specific job. Moreover, the employment rate
slightly increased to 47.88% while unemployment rate was 52.12%.Among
52.12%,4.71% were not working, 8.60% were students ,0.71% were begging and
others 38.10%,who had no specific jobs ,but were seeking to job.
The
reported data claim that, unemployment rate is very high among the slum population
and almost all of the employed persons were engaged in informal sector. It will
be cleared from the list of job structure of slum population as given below.
.
10) Income Pattern and poverty rate in Slums
Table-12
|
Households’ Monthly Income
Pattern by City
(percentage
of households)
|
||||||
|
City
|
<2000 tk
|
2001-3000tk
|
30001-4000tk
|
4001-5000tk
|
above 5000 tk
|
Number of households
|
|
Dhaka
|
3.8
|
19.6
|
34.5
|
27.6
|
14.6
|
673,883
|
|
Chittagong
|
21
|
36.8
|
27.6
|
11.6
|
2.9
|
266,182
|
|
Khulna
|
34.4
|
54.3
|
9.4
|
1.5
|
0.3
|
37,826
|
|
Rajshahi
|
8.8
|
52.1
|
33.9
|
4.7
|
0.5
|
27,665
|
|
Sylhet
|
0.8
|
1.9
|
22
|
69.3
|
5.9
|
18,313
|
|
Barisal
|
44.6
|
44.8
|
9.9
|
0.6
|
0.1
|
19,460
|
|
all cities
|
10.7
|
26.8
|
29.6
|
23.7
|
9.1
|
1,043,329
|
The
census report-2005 explained that, 90.8% slum people lived below the urban
poverty line[i] (tk.5000
as estimated by the CUS study team for May 2005) with 37.5%
having incomes below Tk. 3,000 per month. Most of households (29.6%)
income range was 2001-3000tk followed by 2001-3000tk (26.8%),
4001-5000tk (23.7%) and <2000 tk
(10.7%) respectively. on the other hand, only 9.1% of
households had the income of tk.5000.
Besides,
poverty was very high in the slum households of Barisal and accounted
that,99.9% people live below the urban poverty line of tk.5000.even 44.6% had
income below tk.2000.
Khulna
(99.7%) occupied the second position in the slum poverty followed by Rajshahi
(99.5%)
,
Chittagong (97.1%) and Sylhet (94.1%) respectively.
Dhaka
was slightly better off, with 14.6% having incomes above the poverty line and
slum poverty 85.4% with 23.4% having incomes that fell below the hardcore
poverty line.
11) NGO Coverage of Slums
About
three-fourths of the slums (71.5%) received services from one or more NGOs.
13.1%
and 58.4% of clusters received services from one and more than one NGOs
respectively. Whereas 28.5% clusters did not receive any service from NGOs.
Besides, by division, Rajshahi received the highest services followed by Barisal,
Dhaka, Khulna, Chittagong and sylhet respectively. The figures were 86%, 81.2%,
58.5%, 51.3%, 50.4% and 40.7% respectively as reported by slum census 2005.
Table-13: Percentage of
Slums Covered by NGO Programs
(percentage of clusters)
|
NGO coverage
|
Dhaka
|
Chittagong
|
Khulna
|
Rajshahi
|
Sylhet
|
Barisal
|
all cities
|
|
one NGO
|
11.3
|
7.2
|
27.1
|
7
|
34.8
|
13.1
|
13.1
|
|
more than one
|
58.5
|
50.4
|
51.3
|
86
|
40.7
|
81.2
|
58.4
|
|
None
|
30.2
|
42.4
|
11.5
|
7
|
24.5
|
5.7
|
28.5
|
|
don’t know
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Total
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
|
total slum
|
4966
|
1814
|
520
|
641
|
756
|
351
|
9048
|
The household monthly income of Tk. 5,000 was estimated as the urban
poverty line for May 2005 by the CUS study team on the basis of urban poverty
line per capita income of TK.906 (or Tk 4344 for an average urban household)
for May 2004 determined by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and
presented in its “Preliminary Report of the Poverty Monitoring Survey, 2004”.
p.13
1. Conclusion:
“Slum
life” means a bad dreamy life, life of man as non-human being, and the final
deprivation from fundamentals constitutional rights-it is proved from the
description of this paper. Though every government committed to eradicate
poverty completely, they did not yet take the appropriate program. To save the
lives of 5.3 million slum people, it is urgent to take immense steps by
government, NGOs even an individual level. Otherwise, instead of becoming a
peaceful and developed nation, our country will be a hell for us.
·
Karail
·
Kawnia
·
Lalbagh
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