Korail slum, in the heart of Dhaka

Thousands of people remain homeless after the fierce battle against the flames; the government promises support and an investigation.

The Korail slum, nestled in the heart of Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, is in the midst of reconstruction after being ravaged by a devastating fire, a tragedy that is sadly all too common in these densely populated areas.

The resilience of its inhabitants, mostly working poor in the capital, is the driving force behind this renewal. Immediately after the destruction, aid from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community assistance were essential, providing basic materials, food, and temporary shelter.

Reconstruction is being carried out primarily by the families themselves, using lightweight and inexpensive materials such as bamboo, corrugated iron, and plastic, allowing for the rapid rebuilding of lost structures.

However, this speed raises the persistent issue of fire safety and precarious housing, as the slum is being rebuilt according to the same dense and disorganized model, without any real structural or urban planning improvements.

The hope for the residents remains that they will quickly regain stability and resume their essential economic activities, despite the lack of permanent infrastructure and the land uncertainty that weighs on Korail’s future.