A review of socio-economic and nutritional issues of Bihari Camp Dwellers in Bangladesh: a micro study

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, Khulna. A comparison has been made between the Biharis and equivalent Bengali slum dwellers in Khalishpur. The data were collected from primary sources. A 10% systematic sampling was undertaken to collect a total of 150 Bihari households and through a 20% systematic sampling 150 Bengali households were surveyed by questionnaires. Data analysed 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 aggrevate 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.The study was sponsored by CONCERN a voluntary Irish Organization in Bangladesh.