Why frequent fires at slums?

Photo: STAR

Devastating fire accidents are taking place frequently in the slums where the ultra poor live, without any civic amenities. Last year, we witnessed several dreadful fire incidents at Begunbari, Rayerbazar, Mohammadpur and Agargaon slums. We came to know from the comments of the victims in newspapers that some influential persons were behind these fire incidents. These accidents are a part of conspiracy to evict the unfortunate slum dwellers and grab the lands. We urge the government as well as the rich of the country to build some permanent shelters for the slum dwellers so that they do not have to live in miserable condition.