Camp life
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Families live in spaces about ten feet by eight feet in size in every camp. There is no privacy whatsoever. With inadequate provision for clean water, poor or non-functioning waste disposal and sewage systems, there are chronic hygiene problems. During the rainy seasons camps become particularly difficult places to live in . .
Camp Origins – 1971
Camps began in 1971 during the Bangladesh liberation war. Urdu-speakers were herded there for their own safety. However decades passed and the population languished in these places. 116 ‘Bihari settlements’ are located largely in urban areas in thirteen districts across the country – all under conditions of severe overcrowding, poor sanitation and lacking basic facilities. Following the departure of ICRC in 1973, the Bangladeshi Government took over management of the camps (transferring responsibility to the Ministry of Relief and Rehabilitation from 1975). Initially set up as temporary quarters, the last 37 years have seen the ‘slum-like’ conditions in these settlements worsen as the population has grown.
Al-Falah Bangladesh launches photo competition
Al-Falah Bangladesh is proud to announce a photo competition to mark the second anniversary of the granting of citizenship to urdu-speakers by the supreme court of Bangladesh. The competition will open on 1 March 2010 and run until 1 May 2010. A distinguished panel of judges will decide on the winning entries. Prize giving and exhibition will be held between 18 May and 25 May 2010.
Al-Falah Bangladesh is registered with the Directorate of Family Planning and NGO Affairs Bureau, Government of Bangladesh. It has been working since 1980 for the betterment of Urdu-speaking camp dwellers. The vision of the organisation is for the urdu-speaking community to take part equally and with dignity in national life as citizens of Bangladesh. At an organisational level, Al-Falah Bangladesh aims to increase the quality of life of urdu-speakers and improve their access to education, skill, health, economic opportunities and cultural activities.
courtesy UNHCR/GMB Akash