By Sakib Imtiaz
Social cohesion is almost a missing element in [urban slum settings].
However, Tetultala Slum appears to be an exception. A good sign of social cohesion was observed when a fire broke out at the slum, at Namabazar, Milgate area in Tongi.
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From the beginning of the fire breakout to the recovery stage, this community has established a unique example, which makes it a model of a resilient urban community. It has a central committee called Community Development Committee (CDC) consisting of leaders and influential people of that particular community. During this time of crisis, this committee took the lead to unite the people to help the affected households and later mobilise support from the local government. While in most cases, the slum dwellers usually keep waiting for aide to come from the government or other organisations, people of this slum who were not affected by the fire started to collect money within their community to raise funds.
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This slum has faced fire hazard several times in the past. Even just a year ago, in February 2015 the same community was engulfed with a devastating fire. But never before, have the people seen this kind of rapid recovery.
Raihan, a victim of the fire, said, “During the incident, I was working in a garment's factory. When I had reached the spot, I saw that my room was totally destroyed. I also experienced the fire hazard that took place in our community last time but this time it is a matter of hope that we are recovering very fast.”
These all have been possible because the community is no more cohesive. People of this community believe that their communication and access to the local government have increased more than ever before.