Taking shelter on Roads 113 and 116 for over two weeks since the continuous downpour that began September 13 about 270 families of almost 1200 individuals from Shahjadpur slum moved out in spite of their houses yet being under water as food and water supplies were stopped.

Living along the footpaths under polythene sheets for a roof with a little space to lay the heads for the night, these people claim that they went through the same suffering when their houses went under water during the last floods.

"During the flood we had water flowing into our house at ground level but this time the heavy downpour has totally wrecked our habitat as well," said Salam Mia from road 113.

"We not only have stagnant water in our shanties but the thatching on the roofs are completely torn down," echoed Kulsuma Begum, another victim.

Apart from accommodation, these people live in unhygienic conditions the major factor being lack of proper sanitation facilities. Residents said they made makeshift latrines, digging the soil and surrounding the area with polythene sheets supported by bamboo poles.

"Road 113 stinks as toilet wastes flow onto the main road giving rise to bad odour and a contaminated environment," said Salimullah Ahmed, a businessman and permanent resident of the area.

"Quarrels and fights break out quite often and indecent language can be heard all around. We need to call the police to calm these people. This behaviour ruins the peace of our area," said Sally Anderson who works in a foreign mission.

Roads 113 and 116 have been target points where slum dwellers take refuge whenever they face any natural calamity. "We have no place to go," said a slum resident. "The nearest areas we can find shelter are on these roads," he added.

When contacted the Gulshan Society, an executive committee member told the Star City that they had been helping these people for a long time. Earlier they helped these people during the floods and a repetition took place when the rains came down heavily.

"It is not possible for us to continue to help them. It has been over 15 days and contributions for this cause is thinning out," said another committee member.

On contacting the Gulshan police station about the law and order situation on roads 113 and 116, no positive response was available. The duty officer said he was completely unaware that people from Shahajadpur slum took shelter on road 113 and that it fell under the jurisdiction of OC (Officer in charge).

Other relevant officers were unavailable for comment.