Tareq Promises Flats for Korail Residents

Tareq Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has pledged to construct permanent housing flats for residents currently living in makeshift dwellings in the Korail slum of Dhaka, should his party return to power.

The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon at a prayer gathering organised by Korail residents at the T&T Ground in Mohakhali, held to pray for the late BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Addressing the residents, Tareq said,
“You endure hardships every day, struggling with inadequate housing. We aim to gradually resolve these issues. With Allah’s mercy, we plan to build tall, modern buildings here. Every flat will be registered in the names of the residents, ensuring secure ownership.”

Korail is Dhaka’s largest slum, established in the 1990s on 93 acres of land encroached from three government agencies. Today, roughly 40,000 households, comprising low-income families, reside there in overcrowded and often unsafe conditions.

Korail Slum Overview:

Beyond housing, Tareq Rahman promised to improve educational and healthcare facilities. He said,
“We are aware of the challenges your children face in accessing quality education. With Allah’s blessing, we intend to establish well-equipped schools. There will also be spaces for sports and recreation, ensuring children have opportunities for holistic development.”

Regarding healthcare, he added,
“We want to bring healthcare directly to your doorstep. Local clinics and hospitals will be set up, so you do not have to travel far for treatment. Our goal is to fully develop this area, making it safe and sustainable for all residents.”

Tareq Rahman is the BNP candidate for the Dhaka-17 constituency, which includes Korail. Formal campaigning will commence on 22 January following the allocation of election symbols. Addressing potential electoral challenges, he stated,
“I do not know whether this falls under election regulations or if anyone may attempt sabotage, but with Allah’s guidance, I am determined to do everything possible for the residents of this area.”

If implemented, the proposed initiatives would not only provide secure housing for thousands of families but also enhance access to education, healthcare, and recreational facilities, transforming Dhaka’s largest slum into a more sustainable and dignified community.