Dhaka sanitation workers face eviction from hospital quarters

Sanitation workers at Dhaka's Mitford Hospital are protesting a looming eviction from the hospital quarters they and their families have occupied for generations. A notice issued on August 4 orders the demolition of these old structures, including the workers' residences, by August 30.

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Are we a curse? Is it simply because we are sweepers?

The workers, many belonging to the Harijan community, express deep distress and a sense of injustice. "Are we a curse? Is it simply because we are sweepers?" asked Joti Akter, one of the protesting workers. She highlighted the difficulty of finding alternative housing, stating that potential landlords refuse to rent to them once they learn of their profession.

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We go to rent houses elsewhere, but once people learn that we are sweepers, no one wants to rent to us. Even when there is a ‘To-Let’ sign, they tell us the house has already been rented. Our ancestors have lived here for generations. Why are we being evicted now?

Paresh Majumder, another sanitation worker, emphasized the generational aspect of their residency, noting that four generations of his family have lived in these quarters. He questioned the hospital authorities' decision to demolish the homes in the name of development, especially given their essential role in maintaining the hospital's cleanliness.

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We clean everyone’s waste and keep the hospital environment clean. If we stop working even for a day, people will understand our importance.

Adding to their plight, the workers report inconsistent and delayed salaries, making it challenging to support their families even with their current accommodation. "We clean everyone’s waste, yet we are the ones being evicted. Where will we go?" Moni Rani questioned, reflecting the community's fear and uncertainty about their future. The notice warns that utility connections will be severed if residents fail to vacate by the deadline.

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Our community has lived here for generations. Four generations of our families have made their homes here. Yet now, the Mitford Hospital authorities want to demolish the quarters in the name of development.