7million live in shanties: report  Dhaka, Dec 21 (bdnews24.com)—Of around 40 million people living in urban areas of Bangladesh, seven million live in appalling conditions in the slums, a new study says. The study, jointly produced by the Centre for Urban Studies and Unicef, also says that urbanisation in Bangladesh is the fastest among the Asian countries. The report's findings were revealed at a programme on Tuesday in the city. The survey was carried out in mega city Dhaka, city corporations, municipalities and upazilas with urban facilities. In these slums, the report 'Understanding Urban Inequalities in Bangladesh: A Prerequisite for Achieving Vision-2021' says, rate of child-deaths, drop-outs and child labours are higher in comparison to those living elsewhere in other countries. Death of children aged under 5 in the urban slums is twice that of elsewhere and 50 percent higher than the rural areas. Moreover, drop-out rate among children from schools is higher in the shanties, the report finds. Regarding child labour, it says the number is three times higher than children working in other areas. Meanwhile, the rate of birth registration in those slums is almost half. Unicef representative Carol De Roy presented the report at the programme, which was presided by University Grants Commission chairman professor Nazrul Islam. Representatives from several national and international organisations also spoke at the function. CUS general secretary Nurul Islam Nazim and Deca Ibrahim Musa of the Unicef answered questions from the audience. Carol in his speech urged the government to launch a comprehensive urban development strategy to ease discrimination. He stressed on investments in human development so that Bangladesh can meet the Millennium Development Goals. http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=182257&cid=2 |
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