Tasfia Ahmed, a 2nd-year student at Dhaka University, is leading a project to empower residents of the Korail slum. She teamed up with three other members, and they started this ongoing initiative in April 2024 after participating in the DFTP Spring course.
Korail, one of Dhaka’s largest slums, houses around 50,000 people, many of whom are displaced due to climate change and conflicts. Despite having over 27,000 registered voters, the residents are largely unaware of their rights and responsibilities. As a result, political parties often exploit them as a vote bank, offering monetary benefits in exchange for participation in fraudulent voting practices. Many residents do not know how to use their government-provided national IDs.
To address this issue, Tasfia’s team initiated community dialogues with the displaced people of Korail, educating them about their civic rights and responsibilities. They distributed 300 posters and leaflets and conducted social media campaigns to raise awareness. The team has engaged with 100 community members directly through these dialogues.
The project has made significant strides in empowering the residents of Korail. The community dialogues have enlightened many about their political rights, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation. The posters, leaflets, and social media campaigns have further spread awareness, reaching a broader audience within the slum.
The impact of Tasfia’s project is profound. By educating the residents about their rights and responsibilities, she is fostering a more informed and active community. This empowerment will not only help prevent electoral malpractices but also inspire the residents to advocate for their rights and participate more actively in the democratic process. As the project continues, it promises to strengthen the democratic fabric of Korail, making a lasting difference in the lives of its residents.