Illegal slums

Setting up of illegal slums on the treacherous and risky slopes and at the foot of hills goes on unabated in the port city although landslides are commonplace in the hilly areas. Only 12 days ago, a huge chunk of earth collapsed on the slum at the foothill (left) in Hamzarbagh area, killing a mother and her child. Despite the risk, a thatched house (right) was being erected on the slope of the same hill. Unscrupulous elements build such illegal slums on and around the hills to cash in on the need for low-cost houses for the poor people. PHOTO: Zobaer Hossain Sikder