The Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM) and the Center for Inclusive Development Dialogue (CIDD) jointly launched the Bangladesh Poverty Watch Report 2025: Demystifying Poverty Dynamics of Slum Dwellers in Dhaka City on 10 November 2026 at BRAC Centre in Dhaka. This is the fourth volume in the Poverty Watch Report series published by the two organisations.
The report finds that slum dwellers in Dhaka live under severe multidimensional poverty, with deep vulnerabilities in income, housing, health, education and basic amenities. This poverty is driven largely by inadequate living conditions, poor environmental quality, limited access to healthcare, and low educational attainment among adults. Along with several specific policy recommendations, the report holds that the growth of slums is an outcome of policy failure in the country’s urbanisation process. It calls for inclusive, in-situ slum upgrading rather than forced eviction or relocation, with secure tenure, affordable housing, basic services, livelihood opportunities and community participation, supported by public–private partnerships, to create a healthy, safe and dignified living environment in Dhaka city.
The report launching ceremony was attended by the distinguished guests from different organisations, civil society and the media. The ceremony was chaired by Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of InM while Mr. Zakir Ahmed Khan Chairman of PKSF was present as the Chief Guest. The distinguished panelists included Professor M.M. Akash and Professor Salma Akhter of Dhaka University. Among others, Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, Chairman of CIDD and Executive Director of InM and Syed Nuruddin Ahmed Managing Trustee of CIDD were present on the occasion.
