Chalantika Slum

„Slum“ is a denomination for poor neighborhoods, typical by shabby dwellings (often only made of wood and sheet metal), extreme population density, minimal infrastructure, and inaccessible public services such as sewerage, safe water, electricity and security. People living in a slum are among the poorest in society.

Slums are on all continents, including Europe. However, in Asia, Africa, and Latin America people living in a slum represent a huge part of the population. The worst is sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 60% of the population is in slums. In Bangladesh, up to 10 million people out of a total population of 160 million live in slums. The largest slums are located in Dhaka.

Slum Chalantika

Slum Chalantika is located in the capital, Dhaka, Mirpur district. Approximately, 10,000 people live here. It is located on urban land surrounded by tall buildings, from which sewage and garbage flow here. The dwellings are built of sheet metal and bamboo poles. One shack is usually inhabited by 4-5 people. There is no drinking water or sewage system. Toilets and kitchens are shared with others. The private and public space in the slum is completely blurred.

People in slum

People in Bangladesh come to the slum mainly from the countryside due to floods and soil erosion, which deprive farmers of their livelihoods every year. There are minimal other economic opportunities in the poor countryside. Because of that, every year, about 400,000 people from the countryside move to Dhaka. They live there in a slum and work as street vendors, rickshaws, or daily workers, women help out in households or work in textile factories. Children often have to work as well to contribute to the family budget. This is one of the reasons why 4 out of 5 children in the slum do not go to school.