Toward a Permanent Solution at Mirpur

Abstract

Officials in the Bangladesh Government seem to have considered the squatter resettlement camp at Bashantek in Mirpur to have been quite different from those at Demra and Tongi almost from the moment of its establishment. As a result of the problems already noted, the temporary settlement at Bashantek and its planned replacement in Mirpur received far more attention over the period from 1975 to 1981 than either of the other two camps. Much of this attention was from beyond the borders of Bangladesh. This case clearly illustrates the problems and misunderstandings that can arise not only through the more routine aspects of a major resettlement project but also those that can arise through the channels of international assistance.