Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Tuesday announced the construction of 13 ten-storey buildings and one six-storey building to ensure housing facilities for the Harijan community in Dhaka.

He made the announcement while speaking at a views-exchange meeting titled “Improving the Living Standards of the Oppressed Harijan Community,” organised by the Somaj Kallyan Jubo Songho in Hazaribagh, Dhaka.

According to the adviser, two ten-storey buildings will be built in the Ghanakutuli Sweeper Colony, two in the Miranjilla Sweeper Colony, nine in the Dhalpur area, and one six-storey building in the Postogola area.

Each building will feature one floor dedicated as a school for the education of children from the Harijan community.

He further said that small playgrounds will be developed in these residential areas to keep children away from drugs and criminal activities. The Ministry of Youth and Sports will also send sports equipment for the children of the community, he added.

Adviser Asif also said that strict directives have been issued to law enforcement agencies to curb drug abuse in these areas.

Additionally, he instructed Dhaka South City Corporation officials to initiate a new project for constructing modern buildings for two temples in Hazaribagh. The project will also include measures to prevent the temple premises from being submerged during the rainy season.

To address unemployment within the community, the adviser said vacant posts at various city corporations will be filled with eligible candidates from the Harijan community as a priority.

He expressed hope that one day the word “oppressed” would no longer be needed on banners, as everyone will work together to build a healthy and inclusive city—like one big family.