The Story of Md. Zahidur Rahman

I have been living in the slum area of Mohammadpur for more than a decade. Every day, I travel to Mohakhali DOHS for my work at a non-government organization. My daily journey exposes me to both the struggles and the hopes of urban life in Dhaka.

Urban areas like ours face many challenges-poor housing, waterlogging, lack of clean drinking water, limited sanitation, and health services that don’t reach us when we need them most. In the slum where I live, people have to share toilets, wait hours for water, and live in cramped spaces where disease spreads quickly. Children often fall sick, and going to a hospital is expensive and far away. The environment is unhealthy, but we have no choice.

Every day, I see the obvious difference between the planned neighborhoods like Mohakhali DOHS and the informal settlements where people like me live. In DOHS, the roads are clean, drainage works, and people have access to healthcare, parks, and safety. But in our areas, we have to fight for the basics.

Despite these struggles, we continue to work hard, contribute to the city, and keep moving forward. But we need help-not handouts, but fair services. I believe that every person, no matter where they live, deserves clean water, proper toilets, basic healthcare, and safe shelter.

I hope the government and organizations will listen to people like us when making plans. We are not just numbers, we are citizens with rights. If urban planning includes slum dwellers, we can improve the city together. Things like community clinics in slums, low-cost housing schemes, affordable transport, and waste management systems that actually work, these can make a big difference.

I also urge the authorities to think about how difficult the daily commute is for low-income workers. Better public transport, safer roads, and proper footpaths can ease our burden and make the city more livable for everyone.

Urban development must be for all, not just for the wealthy or those living in planned areas. If we want a better future for Dhaka, we need to start by including those who have been left behind.

Let our voices count. Let the city work for everyone.

Md. Zahidur Rahman, Resident, Mohammadpur Slum and Office Support Staff, NGO, Mohakhali DOHS