Bihari community in Cumilla without benefit

In Bangladesh, the word Bihari is a common term used for a non-Bengali Muslim who originally belongs to the India’s eastern state of Bihar and who migrated from India to Bangladesh in 1947.

According to local NGOs working for Bihari welfare, around 400,000 members of the community live in camps in Bangladesh.

The data released by the government of Bangladesh in 2019 revealed that most Biharis are currently housed in 116 camps in the country’s 13 different districts.

There are three Biharis camps in Cumilla Sadar; Nunabad camp in Ranibazar area, Mofizabad camp nearby Cumilla deputy commissioner’s office, and the other one in the Housing Estate area.

Around 150 Bihari families living in the camps have been living an inhumane life for long.

Members of the community alleged that they are in an endless fight to survive the existing living conditions, which are really terrible, deprived of basic facilities, including clean water, sanitation, secured shelter, education, nutrition, clothing, and financial security.

No steps have ever been taken since the local administration as well as the city corporation was each informed of their pitiable condition.

Of the camps, Nunabad Bihari camp is the worst in terms of living condition. Residents are suffering from lack of space, water supply, and toilets.

Moreover, poor drainage system leads to recurring water-logging there.

When this correspondent visited the camp recently, he found each family sharing a small dingy room with no bathroom or kitchen.

More than 50 families are living in the camp. The residents at the camp said since the elevation of roads on both sides the camp quickly overflows with sewage water and filth with foul smell even after a light shower.

Shana Begum, a woman at the camp, said after the war in 1971, the government earmarked the place for them. So many years have passed since then, but their conditions have never been improved.

Asked about the situation, Cumilla City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Dr Shafiqul Islam said, “I have joined recently.’’

“If there is any problem, I will try to solve,” he added.

The Bihari people claimed that although they have NID card and right to vote they are in worse condition than even the Rohingya refugees only because of the existing taboo as ‘Bihari’.