A Visit to Harijan Palli: Unveiling the Harsh Realities
On 6th July, 2024 Shahida and I, from the BRED team,
recently visited Harijan Palli in Tan Bazar, Narayanganj. We were accompanied
by representatives from SALT implementing partners in Bangladesh, including
Ritu and Mr. Newaz from Global Fund for Children (GFC) under the arrangement of
Alokito Kuri. This article aims to shed light on the conditions faced by the
residents of Harijan Palli.
Despite residing in the city, the families of Harijan Colony live in conditions
that starkly contrast with urban life. These individuals, who clean the city
every day, inhabit an environment characterized by filth, stench, and
unsanitary conditions. Their living situation is dire, with shacks crowded in
dense areas, offering no guarantee of basic necessities.
Housing Crisis and Municipal Neglect
Harijan Palli in Tan Bazar, Narayanganj, is home to many Harijan families.
Another colony in the city's old ground revealed living spaces resembling small
huts, with entire families cramped into single rooms. Despite promises of
"residential buildings for cleaners" from the Narayanganj
Municipality, the initiative remains unfulfilled even after three years.
Consequently, many families live in old, dilapidated structures, risking their
lives. They have taken it upon themselves to build small houses in abandoned
areas, which are essentially huts with broken roofs, fences, doors, and
windows. The lack of designated garbage disposal areas exacerbates their
misery.
Struggles for Basic Amenities
Pinki Didi from the colony highlighted the severe shortage of safe water,
inadequate toilet facilities, and the lack of specific bathrooms. The Harijans
earn a meager 3,000 Taka a month as municipal cleaners, which is insufficient
to meet their needs. To supplement their income, they clean houses in the city.
Ratan Dada one of the resident of Harijan palli expressed concerns about the
future of the children, teenagers, and youths in the colony, noting that women
in the Hindu Harijan community face significant discrimination.
Unemployment and Lack of Opportunities
Unemployment is a major issue among the youth of Harijan Palli. They struggle
to find work in the municipality or other institutions, as cleaner positions
are often filled by Bengalis. Many families lack an earning member and are
excluded from various government social safety nets. Despite these hardships,
some children in Harijan Palli are pursuing education. The colony has a
pre-primary institute, but most students drop out before completing their SSC
due to poverty, forcing them into their ancestral profession and halting their
educational careers.
A Glimmer of Hope
Through group SALT activities, children and youth in the colony have identified
their problems and are actively working to solve them. There is a growing
interest in collective action across all ages, offering a glimmer of hope
amidst the prevailing hardships.
In conclusion, the visit to Harijan Palli revealed the stark realities faced by
its residents. While the municipality's promises remain unfulfilled, the
resilience and determination of the Harijan community to improve their living
conditions offer a ray of hope for the future.