The Livelihood Pattern and Plight of Bihari People: A Study on Bihari Camp at Khalishpur in Khulna City, Bangladesh

Abstract

The living conditions of the Bihari camp dwellers of Bangladesh are an embarrassment to the country's social environment. An investigation was made about the socio-economic condition of the Biharis living in the Khalishpur camp in Khulna who are basically considered as one of the most vulnerable and socio-economically poor and are the victims of severe exploitation and discrimination. A comparison has been made between the Biharis and equivalent Bengali slum dwellers in Khalishpur. In my study, I collected my data through a field survey in Bihari community, incorporating FGD method. Findings suggest that they are dominated and discriminated by the local majority communities: businessmen. Poverty, landlessness, illiteracy and exploitation are their daily associates. Data analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively indicate that the Biharis are leading an extremely substandard life when food consumption, medical expenditure, schooling, income and employment pattern were considered. The condition as prevalent in the camp has led to a high rate of infectious diseases which is likely to aggregate creating environmental hazards. The country then may face serious social problems which should be prevented through gearing up the process of repatriation and through encouraging community participation in improving their economic and social environment. They do not have access to decision-making bodies and don't get justice. The Bihari do not have cognizable access to education and income generation activities. Some of them work as internally migrant laborers and often face harassment and discrimination. In most cases, they cannot meet their basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, education and health facilities. Thus they are considered as one of the poorest and the most vulnerable section of the population in our country.