The devastating fire at Jheelpar slum in the capital’s Modhubagh not only destroyed belongings but also the dreams of hundreds of people. Everything except the clothes they were wearing was burnt to ashes in the fire that broke out on Saturday.
During a visit to the slum yesterday the Dhaka Tribune found that many slum dwellers were searching for their belongings, in the hope that something could be salvaged.
Moreover, many were looking at the gutted houses, where once they lived, with blank expressions.
People were screaming with fear at what the future holds for them.
Around 1,000 people from 400 families, which included pregnant women and disabled residents, became homeless after the fire burned down over 600 shanties.
Asma Sultana, 30, a pregnant women, said, “I, along with my husband, was very excited about our upcoming baby. We have saved Tk50,000 for hospital costs and our baby’s future, but all of our money was destroyed.”
“With only two months until my baby is born, how will we manage for money? Where will I take shelter with my new born baby?” she asked, breaking into tears.
Shahina Begum, manager of Brac’s Modhubagh branch, said, “We have identified five pregnant women. We will provide cost-free treatment and post-delivery healthcare services to them.”
Most of the victims of the fire had taken shelter at the T&T school auditorium. Since the fire, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has helped the victims by providing Kichuri for them to eat. Romna Thana Hawkers’ League Committee Secretary Subol Sheikh said, “The meals will continue for the next two days.”
Three Hindus families from the slum are experiencing the toughest time, as they have been neglected by the people providing assistance.
As the correspondent was talking with them, another slum dweller, Shameli, interrupted the conversation and asked them what they had lost in the fire.
She also said: “You are lucky; we are permitting you to stay here.”
Nomita Rani Das and Shefali Rani Das said the other slum dwellers always tried to quarrel with them over trivial matters.
Shefali Rani Das, who is a garment worker, asked, “Has anyone asked about us? Everyone here is getting something; how long can we survive with empty hands? Local people stole our kitchen utensils while people were busy dousing the fire.”
Children, whose books have been burnt in the fire, said the government should provide new books for them.
Purnima, a student of class V, said: “All of my books were destroyed. I love studying and going to school. I am dismayed at losing my books.”
Breaking down into tears another victim, Rumila, said the money kept for the treatment of her physically-challenged child was lost. Every month she takes Rubel, 14, to a herbal practitioner for his treatment.
She said: “My child cannot walk and work. The compensation is not enough for us. We have been bearing huge losses. Nothing is left for us.”
The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society gave family kits and health kits to the 200 worst effected victims. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya gave Tk3,000 and 20kg of rice to each family.
Under the ‘One House One Farm’ project, they will encourage the victims to move back to their native villages, where the government will build houses and arrange jobs for them, he added.
Many victims said they were yet to get any help as their names had not been added to the relevant lists.
Shopna asked, “Where is my compensation? Most of the victims did not get anything. The government is pretending, for the media, that they are doing a lot for the fire victims. But the reality is that many people have got nothing.”
The family of three-year old child, Sabuj, who died in the accident, went to their hometown in Mymensingh for his burial.