The rise in sea level in the coastal areas of Bangladesh due to the climate change, and the increase in salinity in agricultural areas led the people of the region to seek new solutions to continue living in the country. According to World Bank data, 400.000 people leave their villages every year. Every day, about a thousand people leave their homes and flock to the Bangladesh’s capital city of Dhaka. Meanwhile, Bangladeshis left on the streets after coming to Dhaka.
Mahmud Ali of Khulna, who left his home due to soil erosion happened at the coastal area, told that he lost his home in the hurricane in 2008 and said he couldn’t own a home yet and he needs help. “When I lost everything, I came to Dhaka with my wife. We have been living on the streets in Dhaka for 2 years,” Khulna said.
On the other hand, some Bangladeshis were placed in temporary shelters. Bangladeshi children cannot benefit from their education and health rights and spending all their time in slums. A Bangladeshi named Abdur Rahman is fighting for his life in front of the Dhaka High Court. Abdur Rahman, who had own house and agricultural fields before, stated that he is living like a refugee now. “I couldn’t find shelter anywhere. I’m trying to survive with the money and food people gave me,” Rahman said.
According to a research conducted in the country in 2014, there are 3.393 slums in Dhaka.