Factors in building resilience in urban slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh

This paper examines the hazards that affect slum communities in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and explores the challenges and opportunities for building their resilience. Dhaka is a rapidly urbanising megacity in one of the world's most densely populated and poorest countries. Almost 30% of its more than 14 million population lives in slums characterised by tenure insecurity and evictions, and controlled by ganglords who charge exorbitant rates for basic services. Such a situation deters investments for improving living conditions. Poor quality housing is typical and basic public are non-existent or very limited. A combination of human and natural factors results in various urban hazards with serious impacts on the poor. Flooding and water-logging due to poor drainage are widespread; windstorms and urban…