Camp Origins – 1971

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Feb
22

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.

Geneva Camp

Photo of Geneva Camp in the 1970s. courtesy UNHCR

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