Living Under Eviction Threats:

Housing Insecurity and Survival Strategies in Zianagar Slum, Rajshahi

Abstract

The lives of slum dwellers in Bangladesh are considered cursed since they always face the possibility of eviction and must endure dangerous living conditions. This study examines the living conditions in the Rajshahi slum known as Zianagar and documents a story of ongoing struggles to protect residents' livelihoods, obtain housing, and fend off eviction threats. To conduct the study, a mixed approach which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. It is discovered that the victims of river erosion are the slum dwellers. They have been living on property owned by the government of Bangladesh's Water Development Board (WDB). For the resolution of tenancy disputes and other necessities, they primarily rely on unofficial organisations. Even though they have never been forced off the land, they are constantly aware of the possibility of being forced out. Their limited means and career opportunities make it difficult for them to lead modest lives. In order to acquire fixed assets and homestead land through "transfers" during in- and out-migration, the residents rely on unofficial mechanisms. Furthermore, local powerful organisations profit from their precarious position. Of all the government organisations, only the local government institute occasionally shows a desire to offer some kind of fundamental services and profit financially from doing so. Few NGOs provide some assistance to the impoverished slum residents. Ultimately, the study's conclusions may assist GO and NGO in making the required changes to housing policies and programmes as well as the general economic and social welfare of urban poor people residing in slums and other such settlements.