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Chapter 1Introduction: Setting the Scene

1.1 Introduction

“Development is the word we use to describe the worldwide effort to eradicate poverty and its

associated ills. Since the end of World War II, a veritable development industry has arisen,

focused on improving life for billions of people around the world (Riall Nolan, 2002)”.1 However,

the outcome and fruits of development has not been trickled down although there has been an

increase in rate of growth, per-capita income, and reduction of poverty all over the world. The

fact remains that inequality has increased in the midst of reduction of poverty. There are

millions of people remaining unemployed, underemployed, lacking access to primary health

care facilities and even not having reasonable income to pay for food and other essentials. This

is true for many developing and underdeveloped countries of the world. Again, the intensity of

the problems of unemployment, minimum wage, access to primary health care and security of

life and property differ among different groups of people having different backgrounds. This has

indeed led to a difference in the ways people think and describe development and I have called

this perception of development. Indeed it is hypothesized that in Bangladesh, different socio-

economic groups of people have different ideas vis a vis perception regarding development and

its role. In this study, I will make an attempt to capture the perceptions of different socio-

economic groups of people who are in different occupations and belong to different classes in

the society.

However, prior to describing the perception of different socio-economic groups, I will briefly

highlight the emergence of the concept of development and different scholar’s definition

regarding development by discussing reviewing some literatures related to the concept of

1 Following quote has been taken from ‘Development Anthropology: Encounters in the real world’ by Riall Nolan, 2002, west view press, USA. Ch: 2, ‘The Rise of the Development Industry’, Page of 34 of Development as a global project.

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development. At the same time, I will discuss on perception with the relation of the topic.

These theoretical parts will be reflecting my main research topic as well.

1.2 Reviewing Literatures: Overview of the concept

1.2.1 Emergence of the Concept of Development

As I have already written in the introduction part that, I will depict the perception of people

from different occupations regarding development what I have found in the survey. One

question might arise in that point that why this is so necessary to understand the views of the

concept, development. What is development and how does it emerge in what perspective?

Therefore, if I only analyze and discuss the findings of that field views then this study will be

incomplete whether the word development is not being defined and discussed its emergence.

However, after the World War II, the economies of the colonial powers lay largely in ruin, a

number of overseas dependencies were in forceful uprising, as well as distinctly, and a troubled

relationship was taking shape between the West and the Soviet Union. As a result, the West

recognized the need for a framework to meet these challenges of collective security and

economic rebuilding. However, in 1944, midst of World War II, delegates from forty-four

countries met to reshape the world's international financial system. It was in the plush Mount

Washington Hotel in rural Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. It was designed to ensure that the

delegates would have no distractions and no pressure from lobbyists as they worked on their

plans for post-war reconstruction. The resulting Bretton Woods agreement created the

International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and

Development (IBRD), better known as the World Bank. The Bretton Woods Agreement had the

key principle of rebuilding after World War II through a series of currency stabilization programs

and infrastructure loans to war-ravaged nations. In addition, by 1946, it was in full operation

through the newly established International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD,

the World Bank) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Bretton Woods framework

embodied and prompted an economic approach to development in which rapid reconstruction

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and growth were seen as essential to the establishment of national economic health (Nolan,

2002:34 -35).2

Therefore, we can see that, in 1950s and 1960s, development was synonymous with only

economic growth was positively related to self-sustained growth that indicates Investment,

Growth, National Income, and Savings. In addition, theorists of the 1950s and 1960s the process

of development viewed as a series of successive stags of societal and economic growth through

which every country must exceed. As in this periods was primarily considered as economic

theory of development had historically been followed by the more developed countries.

Development thus became synonymous with fast and collective economic growth. However, it

was linear stages approach and mostly replaced in the 1970s by two competing schools of

thoughts. First, the theories and patterns of structural change used modern economic theory

including statistical analysis in an attempt to represent the interior procedure of structural

change in generating and sustaining rapid economic growth that a typical developing country

must undergo if it is succeed. The second, the international-dependence revolution or

neocolonial dependence model, which was an indirect consequence of Marxist thinking. Under

development in terms of international and domestic power relationships was viewed in this

stage. In addition, ‘Dependency theories’ tended to highlight external and internal institutional

and political constraints on economic development. In the periods of the 1980s and 1990s, a

fourth approach prevailed which is called neoclassical sometimes-called neoliberal

counterrevolution in economic thought emphasized the beneficial role of free markets where

get the prices right by free market forces, open economies and the privatization of inefficient

public enterprises (Todaro and Smith, 2009: 110).3 Therefore, in the 1990s, both modernization

and dependency theories did not have stayed alive as a possible paradigm for considerate

change and transformation of poverty and inequality (Gardner and David Lewis, 1996:20).4

Consequently, in the post-1980s era has been associated with the appreciation of much greater

2 Following discussion has been rephrased and rewritten by me and has been taken from, ‘Development Anthropology: Encounters in the real world’ by Riall Nolan, 2002, west view press, USA. Chapter:2, ‘The Rise of the Development Industry’. Page 34 -35 of ‘Creating the Framework’. 3 Following discussion has been rephrased and rewritten by me and has been taken from, ‘Economic Development’ by Michale P.Todaro and Stephen C.Smith, ch:3,p.110.4Following discussion has been rephrased and rewritten by me and has been taken from, ‘Anthropology, Development and Post-modern Challenge’ by Katy Gardner and David Lewis,1996,p:20

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diversity in conceptions of development. This has included greater awareness of environmental

concerns, gender equity and grassroots approaches. The concept of ‘post-development’ has

come to the forefront since 1990. One of the most eminent proponents of this approach is

Arturo Escobar. He and other post-development thinkers (See Rahnema with Bawtree 19197;

Sachs 1912) dispute with the Eurocentric (based on ideas of Western/Northern superiority)

assumptions that, the development process as it has been experienced by Southern counties. In

addition, they also argue that, Development has helped incorporate large areas of the globe

into a Northern-dominated economic and political system. Moreover, indigenous cultures and

the sustainability of natural environments have been destroyed and threatened which has also

created inferiority mind-set among people of the South (Wills, 2005:28).5

Moreover, during the period of 1990s, ‘Post-modernism’ is being emerged with the rejection of

modernity, which has been explained as culturally and intellectually (Gardner and David Lewis,

1996). Culturally, in the North post-modern tendencies can be traced back to the 1940s and

1950s, wherein the arts have increasingly moved beyond modernism to a broader, more

pluralistic range of styles and techniques; parody and multimedia forms are now common.

Similarly, the boundaries between high and low culture are increasingly broken down.

Intellectually, post-modernism involves the end of the dominance of unitary theories of

progress and belief in scientific rationality (Gardner and David Lewis, 1996:20-21).6

‘’NGOs are usually understood to be the group of organizations engaged in development and

poverty reduction work at local, national and global levels around the world” (Lewis 2001).

Similarly in Bangladesh NGOs are taking a great part in development. Presently Bangladesh is

considered as an epicenter as well as a laboratory for NGOs. Over the last fifteen years the

growth of NGOs, particularly domestic organization, has been impressive like ASA (Association

for Social Advancement), BRAC. Anyway, after the establishment of Bangladesh in 1971, a

number of social development agencies have emerged out as an expression of a practical

5 Following discussion has been rephrased and rewritten by me and has been taken from, ‘Theories and Practices of Development’ by Katie Wills, Routledge, 2005, Ch: 1- ‘Introduction: What do we mean by development?’ Page 286 Following discussion has been rephrased and rewritten by me and has been taken from ‘Anthropology, Development and Post-modern Challenge’ by Katy Gardner and David Lewis,1996,p:20-21

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idealism. The immediate post-independence inflow of foreign aid was primarily for relief,

rehabilitation, and repairing infrastructure in the war ravaged country. However, now

Bangladesh is being considered as an epicenter as well as a laboratory for NGOs. Over the last

fifteen years, the growth of NGOs has been impressive. In Bangladesh, NGOs constitute a

vibrant entity, which continues to table new confronts for the intellect as well as for the polity

in the country (Khan, Ahmed and Quddus, 2009: 8-10, 41.) 7

Therefore, I think it is necessary to have a better view of the perception of development that

what people really think of it.

1.2.2 Development: Different Viewpoints

There are different viewpoints on development from various perspectives, which also refer to

the development theories that have been discussed in the previous section in this study.

Among them, I will discuss some of the viewpoints definitions regarding development.

According to Sen, “development has to be more concerned with enhancing the lives we

lead and the freedom we enjoy.”8

-Professor Amartya Sen, Development as Freedom, 1999, p.14

From the above statement, what I can understand that, Sen emphasizes and concerned with

the achievement of a better life that people succeed in living, which should be the focus of

development analysis. This includes certainly the time-span of the life itself, and thus life

expectancy data have an immediate relevance to the living standard and through that to the

concept of development, but the nature of the life that people succeed in living in each period

is also a matter of importance. People value their capability doing certain things and to get

certain types of beings such as being well nourished, being free from avoidable morbidity, being

7 Following information has been rephrased and taken from ‘Recreating the Commons? NGOs in Bangladesh’ edited by Farida Chowdhury Khan, Ahrar Ahmed and Munir Quddus. (Bangladesh Development Initiative at The University Press Limited), 2009. Page of 8-10 and 41 of ‘NGOs in Bangladesh’. 8 Amartya Sen, Development as Freedom (New York, 1999). P.14. See also ‘Economic Development’ by Michael P.Todaro and Stephen C. Smith, 2009, tenth edition, 2011-2012. Chapter 1, ‘Economics, Institutions, and Development: A Global Perspective’, Page of 16.

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able to move about as desired, and so on. The "doings" and "beings" possibly will be broadly

called "functioning" of a person (Sen,1988: p.15).9

However, Sen also emphasized on the freedom we enjoy which refers, a person has in terms of

his or her choice of functioning. Freedom from famine and malnutrition, freedom from poverty,

access to health care and freedom from premature mortality has to be included in the

development analysis. In his perspective, economic growth remains significant, except not as a

goal in itself. It is important in its potential contribution to a wide range of freedoms but not

enough in itself.

In conclusion, of his view, I can summarize that, development is happiness and improving the

well-being of the people. Happiness is the important part of well-being.

Human Development approach of United Nations Development Program (UNDP):

Human development can be simply defined as a process of enlarging choices such as,

some economic, some social, some political, and some cultural. Enlarging these choices,

building human capabilities is needed. The most basic capabilities for human

development are to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to

the resources needed for a decent standard of living, and to be able to participate in the

life of the community. Development is here thus people have to lead lives that they

value by expanding the choices. As Aristotle said in ancient Greece, “Wealth is evidently

not the good we are seeking, for it is merely useful for the sake of something else.” In

seeking that something else, human development shares a common vision with human

rights where People must be free to exercise their choices and to participate in decision-

making that affects their lives. Human development and human rights are both

9 Following information has been taken from ‘Handbook of Development Economics’, Volume L by AMARTYA SEN, Chapter 1,‘The Concept of Development’, Edited by H. Chenery and T.N. Srinivasan © Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., 1988, p.15. https://koppa.jyu.fi/en/courses/134525/spring-2014/Sen-Concept-of-Development.pdf

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reinforcing, cooperating, and building self-respect as well as the respect of others

(Source: Web). 10

According to Sen, "Human development, as an approach, is concerned with what I take to be

the basic development idea: namely, advancing the richness of human life, rather than the

richness of the economy in which human beings live, which is only a part of it (Source: Web)."11

According to Todaro, an American economist and a pioneer in the field of development

economics, “Development is not purely an economic phenomenon but rather a multi-

dimensional process involving restructuring and reorientation of entire economic and

social system.” 12

-Michale P. Todaro

Edwards in his recent book defines “development as the reduction of material want and

the enhancement of people’s ability to live a life they consider good across the broadest

range possible in a population.”13

-Edwards, 1999b: 4

Todaro and Edwards also talks about positive changes in peoples’ quality of life in economic,

political, and social terms. Todaro and Stephen C. Smith in their ‘Economic Development’

(2009), explain that, development must stands for the entire range of change that refers an

entire social system, turned to basic needs and condition of life regarded as materially and

spiritually better (Todaro and Smith, 2009: 15 -16).14

10 Following information has been rephrased and taken from following sites: http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/moronesj/human.dev.concept.summaries/The%20Human%20Development%20concept.doc and also http://www.arab-hdr.org/publications/contents/2002/ch1-e.pdf11 Origins of the Human Development Approach athttp://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/moronesj/human.dev.concept.summaries/The%20Human%20Development%20concept.doc12 Available at: http://www.uky.edu/AS/Courses/GEO260/Powerpoint/Concept_of_Development.ppt ’13 The Management of Non-Governmental Development Organizations, An Introduction by David Lewis: NGOs and the contexts of ‘development’ and ‘relief’ ……p:67 available at: http://hr.law.vnu.edu.vn/sites/default/files/resources/management_of_non_governmental_development_organizations__an_introduction__.pdf14 Following information has been rewritten from ‘Economic Development’ by Michael P.Todaro and Stephen C. Smith, 2009, tenth edition, 2011-2012. Chapter 1, ‘Economics, Institutions, and Development: A Global Perspective’, Page of 15 -16 of ‘The new economic view of development’

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According to Seers, “The questions to ask about a country’s development are three:

What has been happening to poverty? What has been happening to unemployment?

What has been happening to inequality? If all three of these have declined from high

levels, then beyond doubt this has been a period of development for the country

concerned”. 15

- Dudley Seers, 1977, p. 3

These three things are considered the vital challenges that a nation attempt to fight or at least

try to minimize. To Seers, before we can declare that society as a developed one all these three

must be at low levels. This invariably means that a rise in any one of these central challenges

disqualifies that society from being called developed.

According to Chambers, “Rural development is a strategy to enable a specific group of

people, poor rural women, and men, to gain for themselves and their children more of

what they want and need. It involves helping the poorest among those who seek a

livelihood in the rural areas to demand and control more of the benefits of

development.”16

-Robert Chambers, 1983, p:147

He therefore refers development as to welfare programs, aids, and resources toward the

alleviating poverty, transforming rural areas, and provision of the basic needs of the poor to

make sure incessant continued existence of their race through posterity.

1.2.3 Perception and Development

It is necessary to discuss few things on the perception of human beings related to this study

title. Theoretically, perception is the process of gathering information through senses of human

mind. Previous experiences and learning, attitudes and interests, needs, feelings, finally the

current situations are directly influencing perception of human beings. At the same time,

Perception differs from individual to individual owing to a diversity of personal, socio-

15 Available at: http://www.academia.edu/466731/THE_CONCEPT_OF_DEVELOPMENT16 Available at: http://www.academia.edu/466731/THE_CONCEPT_OF_DEVELOPMENT

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economical, and cultural differences. Age, gender, race, and experiences are the examples of

personal perception filters. Socio-economic filters include occupation, level of education,

environmental factors, and family upbringing.17 Therefore, with the basis of this theoretical

explanation, I have arranged the questions through which different people have explained their

views variously from their diversity of personal, socio-economical, and cultural differences.

Therefore it can be said that, perception is a personal description and own interpretation of

human mind basis of their surroundings. Expert’s point of view and definitions might not work

to human perception, as people perceive from their own understanding most of the time and

theory might not work to them.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

With the relation of the following objectives, the questionnaire has been set for the survey. I

have responded all the objectives though my findings. The objectives of the study are as

follows:

1. To identify how individuals with different socio-economic backgrounds understand and

describe development;

2. To find out whether there is any difference in the understanding vis a vis in perception

of development;

3. To discern the reasons for difference in perception among between and within different

socio-economic categories

4. To reveal the response and perception of people toward assess development

1.4 Rationale of the Study

This study has been done with the purpose of endeavoring the perception of development from

the perspective and views of working class people who are mostly ignored and unprivileged in

our society. In most cases, development does not reach to them at all. Furthermore, students

are the most possible change maker for the country and they are the larger group whose views

17 Available at: http://www.educ.kent.edu/community/vlo/perception/index.html

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regarding development are obligatory to understand. Students can contribute and play the

great role of making any policy for the sake of improvement of the country.

1.5 Conclusion

In concluding part of this chapter, it can be said that, development is not only about rising

economic growth of a country but also entire society’s improvement is essential here. It is

about happiness of human being. If people are free from hunger, diseases and have health

security, high literacy rate, freedom of choices, nutrition then a nation will have happiness and

can achieve development.

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Chapter 2Research Methodology

2.1 Introduction

This chapter presents an overview of methodology and procedures applied in this study. It

describes the process that was employed to collect and analyze data in order to understand

and discover the perception of various levels of people who are in different type’s occupations.

Both qualitative as well as quantitative method has been used to carry out this research.

Qualitative data is collected through interviewing the main question: what do you mean by

development? Quantitative data, on the other hand, has been obtained through

questionnaires.

2.2 Study Area

The key focus of this study is to understand the perception of different socio-economic groups

who are students and working people like, rickshaw pulling, garments sectors, day laborer and

so on. Moreover, this study has been designed occupation basis. Therefore, to collect primary

data, slum areas and messes in Dhaka city or urban areas have been selected deliberately. CNG

station at Basabo, Rampura, Magbazar, Madhubag, Mirbagh, Bashundhara gate areas has been

selected for working people. For students North South University and Dhaka University have

been selected as time duration was short.

2.3 Techniques of Data Collection

Data were collected during February to March 2014. Both Primary and Secondary methods of

data collection have been used for the study.

2.4 Secondary Data

For a fine approaching regarding the research topic, secondary data has been gathered from

journal articles, published books, research reports, and internet documents etc. The books and

published documents relevant to the study were collected from my course materials at North

South University. A list of these documents is given in the bibliography.

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2.5 Questionnaire Survey

Data have been collected through questionnaire from 200 respondents in seven occupations

Respondents and occupations have been selected deliberately. There was one questionnaire

for all groups of people. The questions were both open and close ended. There were three

parts in the questionnaire. First part (Ka) was about socio-economic background of the

respondent and there were ten questions. Second (Kha) part was about the self-perception and

there were two questions. In the last part (ga) had the main question regarding the research

topic, the perception of respondents regarding development and there were three questions

where last two questions were open-ended. In last part, the first question was close ended

regarding the meaning of development that has been pre-tested before closed-ended. Some

parts of it were designed to get opinions and comments on specific issues from the

respondents. Close-ended questions were used to save time and open-ended questions to get

in-depth knowledge and insight; as well as personal experiences and observations.

Table 1: Occupational Background of the Respondents

Occupations Total

Respondents

Students 56

Tokai (street children) 06

Garments workers 54

House Keeper (Bua) 18

Rickshaw puller 27

CNG drivers 19

Day Laborer 20

Total= 200

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2.6 Sample size

Total respondents were 200 from the Dhaka city’s’ some areas like, Basabo, Rampura,

Magbazar, Madhubag, Mirbagh, Bashundhara gate, North South University and Dhaka

University. The respondents were purposively selected. For the purpose of the study, the

selected respondents are divided into seven occupations as mentioned in the above table:1

which contains the occupational background of respondents.

Table 2: Proportion of Male and Female based on occupations

2.7 Data Processing and Analysis

The collected data was accumulated, categorized, and analyzed keeping in mind the objectives

of the study. The analysis of quantitative data of the above stated sources has been done with

the help of MS Excel.

The open-ended information will be presented in a narrative form in the Chapter 4. Moreover,

in some cases, charts and table presentation have also been used to present the findings of the

data in a graphic manner. Furthermore, in this study data has been collected by questionnaire

survey.

Occupations Number of Male and Female

respondents

Ratio of Female and

Male

Female Male

Students 22 34 40:60

Street Children(Tokai) 04 02 33:67

Garments workers 38 16 70:30

House Keeper (Bua) 18 00 100:00

Rickshaw puller 00 27 00:100

CNG drivers 00 19 00:100

Day Laborer 06 14 30:70

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2.8 Research questionnaire

Questionnaire analysis with the relation of objectives as follows:

1. Part ‘Ka’-Socio-economic background (Close-ended questions): There were ten questions

in this part given below. All questions of this part was related to the first objective is to

identify how individuals with different socio-economic background understand and

describe development. Like as, the questions of Gender, Age, monthly income, academic

qualification, living place, marital Status and monthly house rent of the respondents were

related to the objective of discerning the reasons for difference in perception among

between and within different socio-economic categories of the respondents. It is the third

objective of this study. In addition, questions of Occupation was divided into two

categories; main and subsidiary occupation: This part was related to objective two and

three; To find out whether there is any difference in the understanding vis a vis in

perception of development, To discern the reasons for difference in perception among

between and within different socio-economic categories

2. Part ‘Kha’ -Self-perception (close-ended questions): There were two questions on own

work place satisfaction and thinking of own Social status. This part was included in the

questionnaire to reveal the response and perception of people toward assess

development. It is the fourth objective of the study.

3. Part ‘Ga’ – Perception of Development: There were three main questionnaires for the

study. Perception of development (close-ended questions), Perception of development in

own word (open-ended question) and Reason of seeing development in that sense (open-

ended questions). This part was related to the all objectives of the study

Chapter 3

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Data Analysis

3.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the data collected through survey questionnaire from the field among

different occupations. Data analysis will have been presented by occupation basis and linked up

with the objectives during analysis. There were seven occupations have been surveyed in the

field and have been chosen deliberately.

3.2 Description of the background of the respondents

I have mentioned the different categories of respondents that I covered in my survey. In this

section, I will describe their occupations and socio-economic background.

Street children

Street children in Dhaka city are generally called ‘Tokai’ in Bengali. They are used to lift up

discarded belongings from street and work recycling rubbish, begging, washing busses, selling

flowers on the street, or doing any sort of things. It helps them to earn money for some food.

Most of them are survived on the streets.

However, I have met some of them during picking up discarded things at Bashundhara gate.

They were 6 and almost same ages, as I have given the data below though a diagram to present

here. The age group of street children was within 25 years old. All of them are within this age

group. In this group, they were all below 18 years. However, when I have asked them all the

questions in the questionnaire, got some information regarding their family life and perception

on development. They perceive development according to their own needs what they expect to

accomplish in their future life.

Figure 1: Living Place of street children

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Among six, 67% of them are living on

footpath who do not have any family and 33% of are living in slum with their parents as figure 1

shows. As they do not have permanent work therefore, their monthly income is not fixed. They

have monthly income range up to 3000 taka as I have found in my survey.

Figure 2: Work Place Satisfaction

At the same time, they are not in a formal

or registered occupation; only working for getting some money to buy foods it is not

satisfactory for them. All of them have said that, they are not satisfied enough with their work,

as people do not appreciate their work and do not pay much. In the questionnaire, part two

(kha) had the first question about workplace satisfaction where have three questions and the

third question was not satisfied. And there were seven reasons behind this in the third

question. Among them number one reason was ‘people do not appreciate this work’ and

number two was ‘income is not much in this work’. 100% of them have said that they are not

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satisfied and 50% of have said the reason behind this was ‘people do not appreciate this work’

and 50% of have said ‘income is not much in this work’ as the figure 2 displays the result.

Similarly, all of them have same perception regarding their own social status as ‘Extreme Poor’.

When I have made them understand about the social classes in our society, they all have said all

are extreme poor because of not having any permanent shelter and not have any certainty of

getting foods three times in a day including opportunity to go to school.

Thus, for them development is only carrying out needs what they do not have for surviving. For

their surviving, they need food security and shelter what I have come to know from them.

Therefore, 100% of them want work opportunities that increase their income for surviving.

Figure 3: Perception of Development with multiple responses

Hence, we can see from the figure 3 that, 67% of them want to increase their income.

Furthermore, as they are in age of going to school they expect to be educated. For that, they

need a work opportunity so that they can go to night school and can be able to write and read

at least. For this, 100% of them want to be literate also; as figure 3 displays. Increase of income

with a permanent work ensures their permanent living place that ensures their life security at

least. As they are the street children, do not have any shelter permanently and food security

they feel insecure with their life. Hence, 67% of them want life security must.

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This is how street children perceive development according to their own needs I have displayed

though the above column.

Garments Workers

In Bangladesh, garments workers have been contributing significantly in the economy through

earning foreign currency. Most of them generally come to Dhaka from villages of different parts

of Bangladesh with the hope of a better life. Usually they live in slum and messes for cheap

house rent.

I went Rampura, Mirbagh, Madhubagh and some it’s nearer area’s slum and messes for my

survey. I have found 54 garments workers during my survey, among them most of them were

female. Among 54 workers (Table: 2) 38 workers were female and 16 workers were male.

Among 38 female workers, some were divorced and separated in 38 female workers.

Figure 4: Academic Qualification

However, 72% of them have only primary education and 14% of them have only secondary

education where 7% of them have only higher secondary education. In addition, some of them

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were only able to write and read the rate of was that 7% as figure 4 shows. Therefore, from the

above column what we can see that majority part had only primary education.

Figure 5: Monthly Income Range

As they do not have higher academic qualification, it creates many difficulties in work at the

factory. At the same time factory owners, pay extremely low wages for their work. Usually most

of them do the same work of sewing operator I have surveyed and they have monthly income

range of 3000 to 8000 taka only. This 3000 to 8000tk is a range as I have designed my survey

questionnaire, anyway in the range of 3000 to 8000tk most of them earn only 3000 to 4000 tk I

have come to know from them. That is very small amount of money to lead their family. Within

this money, they have to manage all the things like feeding family members, giving house rent,

transport cost, cost of clothes and so on. As most of them earn very small amount of money

they have to live in slum or mess, which is not suitable for female for their health and life

security. Nevertheless, who have at least secondary and higher secondary educations get the

work of supervisor, cutting master, Pattern Master, Chief Quality Controller and earn in a range

of 8000 to 13000 taka per month. They were only 7% of workers as figure 5 shows.

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However, according to Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Bangladesh study by KG Moazzem and

Saifa Raz (CPD) 2013: Revision of the Minimum Wage in the RMG Sector in 2013 minimum

wage structure; current minimum wage structure table has been shown below: 18

Current Minimum Wage Structure (Effective since 1 November 2010):Grading (Main Posts) Basic House rent

(40% of Basic)

Medical

Allowance

Net Salary

Grade 1: Pattern Master, Chief Quality Controller Tk. 6,500 Tk. 2,600 Tk. 200 Tk. 9,300

Grade 2: Mechanic, Electrician, Cutting Master Tk. 5,000 Tk. 2,000 Tk. 200 Tk. 7,200

Grade 3: Sample Machinist, Senior Machine

Operator

Tk. 2,870 Tk. 1,148 Tk. 200 Tk. 4,218

Grade 4: Sewing Machine Operator, Quality

Inspector, Cutter, Packer, Line Leader

Tk. 2,615 Tk. 1,046 Tk. 200 Tk. 3,861

Grade 5: Junior Machine Operator, Junior Cutter,

Junior Marker

Tk. 2,395 Tk. 958 Tk. 200 Tk. 3,553

Grade 6: Operator of General Sewing/ Button

Machine

Tk. 2,230 Tk. 892 Tk.200 Tk. 3,322

Grade 7: Assistant Sewing Machine Operator,

Assistant Dry washing man, Line

Iron Man

Tk. 2,000 Tk. 800 Tk.200 Tk. 3,000

Trainee Tk. 2,500

Therefore, the above table clear my analysis what I have found from the field regarding

monthly income of garments workers.

Figure 6: Work Place Satisfaction

18Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Bangladesh study by KG Moazzem and Saifa Raz (CPD) 2013: Revision of the Minimum Wage in the RMG Sector in 2013 minimum wage structure, p: 14. Also see: http://cpd.org.bd/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CPD-on-Minimum-Wage.pdf

P a g e | 21

In this case, they are not happy with their work fully. Majority said they are not satisfied with

their work. Almost 80% of (fig:6)them as above column shows are not satisfied behind the

reason is income is not much at the same time, 9% of them have said they are not satisfied

because of not paying their salary in time. Rest 11% of them has said they approximately

satisfied because they have other earner in their family. No one said fully satisfied with his or

her workplace because the above reasons I have found during the survey.

In this case, they do not feel themselves as solvent and non-poor in the society. Some of them

even think of their social status as extreme poor because of their too much family burden. 83%

of workers think, they are poor and 17% of workers think they are extreme poor. Because of

their hardship and so many scarcities with their daily life, they have this type of perception

regarding their social status as they said to me.

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Figure 7: Perception of Development

All the workers of garments sector I surveyed have come from different parts of the Bangladesh

as I mentioned above part in the analysis. They have come with hope of leading a better life

with their family. Because of low income in most cases, they have to live in slum and some live

in messes. However, slum is not a healthy and secured place ever that most of female workers

have said. In terms of the perception of development 26% of workers as figure 7 shows, they

mean life security as they feel unsafe and all were female workers. There were twelve options

in the question of ‘meaning of development’. Among those options, 19% of them have said,

development means hunger free life, 43% of them have said, poverty alleviation, 93% of them

have said increase of income, 16% of them have said health development, only 2% of have said

political stability and 26% of said life security respectively. They define development according

to their own scarcity and needs as I have talked to them and come to know about their life

style. Almost everyone wants increasing income so that all needs can be fulfilled. Poverty

reduction will occur when income rises as they expressed.

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Day Laborer

“Day labor is work done where the worker is hired and paid one day at a time, with no promise

that more work will be available in the future. It is a form of contingent work or casual work

(Source: Wikipedia).”19 However, a day laborer in Bangladesh generally has no permanent work.

They live from hand-to-mouth. They start every day with uncertainty of getting a work. Even if

he gets any work there, he would be ill paid.

Figure 8: Monthly Income

In addition, I have found this in my survey data. I have found 20 day-laborers in Rampura and

06 were female, 14 were male laborer. They have been passing though hardship because of

uncertainty of getting work every day and ill paid in work. In my survey data also says that. The

diagram displays 80% of them have monthly income up to 3000taka and only 20% of (fig: 8)

them have the monthly income range 3001-8000taka. However, these income ranges are not

also fixed for them. They do not have any permanent work therefore everyday they cannot

earn in the same way.

Figure 9: Academic Qualification

19 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_labor

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Day laborers are not also educated enough. From figure 9, only 65% of them are able to write

and read only and rest of 35% of them is illiterate. Those 65% of them only can sign and write

few words not more than that. Because of not having good academic qualification most cases

do not get a permanent work.

Because of being ill paid, they are not satisfied with their work whatever they get. Above

column displays in the diagram that 100% of them are not satisfied with their workplace

because income is not much in their work. Because of not getting permanent work and much

money in the work, they feel and perceive that they are extreme poor. 100% of them have said

to me during the survey.

Among 20 day laborers 100% of them have said development means increase of income and

work opportunity in the survey as above column shows in above diagram. As these two are

their needs and expectation, they perceive development of their own perspective.

Domestic workers

“The International Labour Office (ILO 1990) defines, domestic work as helpers and cleaners

sweep, vacuum clean, was and polish, take care of household linen, purchase household

supplies, prepare food, serve meals and perform various other domestic duties like; a)

sweeping, vacuum cleaning, polishing and washing floors and furniture, or washing windows

P a g e | 25

and other fixtures; b) washing, ironing and mending linen and other textiles; c) washing dishes;

d) preparing, cooking and serving meals and refreshments; e) purchasing food and various

other performing related tasks; f ) performing related tasks; g) supervising other workers.”20

Therefore, I can say that domestic workers have to do almost all type of domestic work in a

house where she works. Some of them live in the particular house and some of them live out

after doing their tasks as ILO defines about their tasks. However, they usually migrate from

rural to urban and live in slum areas in Dhaka city. However, I have surveyed 18 domestic

workers at different slums around Dhaka.

Figure 10: Marital Status

Most of them are separated from their husband and lead family in their only income. 72% of

(fig 10) them are separated from their husband and come from rural areas. Rest of 28% is

married though their husband cannot contribute financially successfully therefore, they have to

take the burden of their family.

100% of them have monthly income range of 3001-8000 taka which is not sufficient for leading

their family. But in some cases, some of their daughter work in garments and lead family with

20 Domestic Service in Bangladesh A Case Study in Dhaka by Nadia Selim, February 2009 ,p:30Also available at: http://www.expressionsltd.com/content/Publications/Domestic%20Service%20in%20Bangladesh.pdf

P a g e | 26

sharing. Anyway, with this low income they have to give house rent and maintain others

demand which is tougher for them.

Figure 11: Academic Qualification

Above diagram shows that 72% of (fig: 11) them are totally illiterate and 28% of are only able to

write some words and read some sentences. Therefore, they cannot manage any good work for

their betterment.

Figure 12: Work Place Satisfaction

As their income is low, they are not satisfied at the same time they have to be physically and

mentally harassed in many ways where they work and in outside for their work therefore they

do not feel happy. Figure 12 shows that, 56% of them are not satisfied because of low income

P a g e | 27

and 44% of them are dissatisfied because of not appreciated for the work. At the same time, all

of them perceive belong to extreme poor class.

Figure 13: Perception of Development

Most of the time they have face many type of violence where they work and where they live.

Therefore from the figure 13, we can see that, 94% of them perceive, development means

ensuring life security. As their income is low, they want to increase income and alleviate

poverty. 94% of them perceive development mean poverty alleviation and 100% of them

perceive development mean increase of income. Much type of health problems has to face

them as they live in very unhealthy place then they want their health security. 83% of them

perceive development mean health development and 6% of perceive work opportunity.

Rickshaw pullers

Rickshaw is a vital transport in Dhaka city. The unskilled and poor people who migrate from

rural to urban areas various work and rickshaw pulling is one of them. For their livelihood it is

an effective earning source they think.

P a g e | 28

Figure 14: Academic Qualification

However, I have surveyed on 27 rickshaw pullers in Dhaka at some areas I have mentioned

previous discussion. Some of them live in slum and some in messes in a group. Among them

81% of are illiterate while only 19% of are (fig:14) only can write and read some words and can

sign as above column presents the percentage. For being uneducated they have to be deceived

by many others with fare. However, I have found most young rickshaw pullers during my

survey.

Figure 15: Age Group

From figure 15, we can see that, almost 90% of them are within 30 years age group while, 11%

of them are 36 to 40 years age group. The age group of within 30 years is enthusiastic and hard

working as I have found.

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Figure 16: Monthly Income

Those are within 30 years age groups earn monthly 8000 to 13000 tk by pulling rickshaw. Figure

16 shows that, 93% of earn within this range while 7% of them earn 3001 to 8000 tk per month

and they are aged people.

Figure 17: Work Place Satisfaction

The young age group within 30 years old are satisfied with their work approximately and they

are 89% of (fig: 17) people while 11% of are dissatisfied because they cannot earn more who

are in 40 years age range.

P a g e | 30

As they have to lead the whole family, they want to earn more and think themselves as poor.

100% of them think they are poor and cannot fulfill their expectations successfully.

Figure 18: Perception of Development

It is right that young age group within 30 years are hard worker but they cannot drive everyday

because of their health problem as this is very tough physical work for them. Therefore, from

their own need 62% of (fig: 18) them perceive development mean health security. Almost 81%

of perceive development as life security while 85% of them want political stability as road

accident is very common in this work at the same time because of political unrest they fear to

be burnt by petrol bomb or fire. As they have to be deceived because of being uneducated 81%

of them perceive development mean, able to write and read. Almost 70% of them want to

increase income as they have their own family burden and there is no fixed monthly income.

Therefore, development means increase of income as they have meant. They perceive

development from their own needs and perspective like above occupations.

CNG Auto Rickshaw Drivers

Auto rickshaws were previously two-stroke engine petrol-running models, which have been

identified as one of the principal causes of air pollution in Dhaka. Thus, government since 2003

P a g e | 31

banned traditional auto rickshaws from the capital and encouraged the development of four-

stroke compressed natural gases (CNG)-powered engines permitted to operate within the

capital limits. The newly manufactured CNG auto rickshaws are more fuel-efficient and have a

lower center of gravity, making them safer than older models. Furthermore, all CNGs are

painted green to signify that the vehicles are eco-friendly and that each one has a meter built in

as standard.21 However, I have found 19 drivers from Basabo near to my living place where all

of them have monthly income range from 1300 to 20,000 taka. Similarly, all of them

approximately satisfied with their work and they think that they belong to lower class instead of

not belonging to poor or extreme poor class as they said to me that they have roughly monthly

income which support them to be almost solvent with their family.

Figure 19: Perception of Development

However, when I have asked them to know about their perception on development all (100%)

of them said to mean life security while 90% of said(fig:19) that they mean political stability

respectively. Because of frequent hartal (shut down), blockade, and throwing petrol bomb, set

fire to vehicle make them scare of driving. Among them, 26% of them also mean increase

income of all groups of people and 47% of them mean poverty alleviation of everyone who is

21 “Police purge for Dhaka rickshaw” at BBC. December 20, 2002. Retrieved 2011-03-22. and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshaw

P a g e | 32

extremely poor. They are not only expecting and concerned about themselves think of the

nation, as I have understood after talking to them.

Students

I went to North South University and Dhaka University for survey and I have surveyed

deliberately 56 students from these two universities. Within these 56 students, 34 students

were from North South University where 15 students were female and 19 students were male

and 22 from Dhaka University where 7 students were female and 15 students were male. They

had different opinions and reaction regarding the perception of development. From the

national perspective and for the betterment of Bangladesh students have given their opinion by

answering the perception of development. I have found most of the bachelor students from

these two universities and some of them were from master’s level.

Figure 20: Subsidiary Occupations

As I have found, half of them are doing part time job (fig:20) and full time that are in masters

level and half of them are full time students. All of them who are doing job beside their study

have said that being solvent and self-reliant at the same time for contributing in the economy

of the country they are doing job beside study.

At the same time, those are doing job satisfied approximately, as all have a big ambition to be

successful in their career path are working hard. 50% of them satisfied approximately as 50% of

are doing job and others are full time students.

P a g e | 33

Figure 21: Living Place

Figure 21 displays that 34% of them are living in their own house while same percentage of

students are living in the hostel and most of them are studying at Dhaka University. In addition,

29% of them are living in rented house and both from DU and NSU while 2% of are also live in

mess and mostly are male students have come from outside of Dhaka.

Figure 22: Social Status

Figure 22 shows, 66% of students think that they belong to middle class while only 14% of think

upper middle class. Rests of 20% of students think upper class. However, those are living in

rented houses, hostels and messes they think of belonging to middle class on the other hand

those have their own house they also think of belonging to middle class, as they are not doing

P a g e | 34

any job and contribute to the family. Furthermore, who have their own house and a full time or

part time job they think they belong to upper middle class. Some students are studying at NSU

think in other way. They are not concerned with contributing to their family or being solvent

during their graduation. They think after graduation matter of career would be their concerning

subject. Presently they are well enough for the financial condition of their family therefore job

is not important and they think they belong to upper class. When they would be successful

professional after graduation then would belong to rich class.

Figure 23: Perception of Development

Students have given different types definition regarding development. They all views

development from the national perspective and for the sake of development really want to

contribute in different field of Bangladesh. Almost all female students have said development

means women empowerment, gender equity, and stopping violence against women from

Bangladesh. Some other students also said, development child development, reducing infant

mortality and over population at the same time, stopping child labor and fulfilling the goal of

MDGs (will be discussed in chapter 4). The 48% of (fig: 23)students have said the meaning of

development as above mentioned. In addition, 68% of said development means poverty

alleviation, which must has to done otherwise development will not be happened while 54% of

students have added political stability is must. 9% of said hunger fee means development and

P a g e | 35

7% of students have said increasing income of all groups including employment opportunity as

said 32% of students. Besides that, 18% of students have said health security, 4% of students

have said life security mean to development. At the same time development means to a

healthy environment and environments is a burning issue now a days so it has to be saved as

36% of students have said that. Illiterate nation cannot be development. If development needs

to occur then everyone must have to be literate at least as 16% of students have said.

3.3 Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that, according to objectives, there are different level of

understanding because of different socio-economic background and there is also difference

within the group for gender, age, academic qualifications as well. Except students, no one had

subsidiary occupations as I have found.

Chapter 4 Discussing Perception of Development from the Field Views

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4.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the perception of development according to different socio-economic

groups who are in different occupations. Before the survey, I went to the field for pre-testing to

close the answers of the question ‘What do you mean by development’. All of these will be

discussed in this chapter broadly with relating to the objective of the study. After getting

various answers, I have closed the first question of part ‘Ga’ in the questionnaire. Among those

answers, students are thinking from the national perspective while the working class people

who live from hand to mouth are thinking about development from their own needs and

perspectives what they expect to survive. Students are telling in from their perception that

development is about not only rising GDP but also the improvement of mental and physical

health, alleviation poverty, development of social and cultural system of a country. On the

other hand, the working classes people have said development mean mainly rising of own

income and for that, the existing problems need to be solved.

4.2 Perception of development by different groups of respondents

There are 67% of street children who have said that development means life security during

survey. The group of street children (Tokai) is extremely vulnerable and unprivileged street

children in our society. They cannot even fulfill their minimum basic needs; as a result, they

always feel insecure. Summary of their speech is given below in English, but they have told me

in Bengali:

According to street children, a permanent and secured shelter for living where no one would

force to leave them from that house, basic foods three times in a day, no evil cannot touch and

force for doing crime is the life security.

They have to face this kind of situation everyday; therefore, they have defined like this.

Furthermore, development is the work opportunity, ability to write, read an increase of income

for street children. They all want fixed work for survival and carrying out of their dream of going

to school. Because of illiteracy, they have to be entrapped and deceived by many people.

P a g e | 37

However, to them development means own development and accomplish own needs and

expectations. On the other hand, garments workers have seen and perceive development in

different ways at the same times, female worker’s perception is different rather than male

workers within this occupation as I have found from the field. Female workers are more

concerned about health development and life security than male workers are. 16% of workers

said development means health development and 26% of them have said that development

means life security. As I have found this data, all of them were female workers who said about

development from this view. I am going to summarize what they have meant to life security

and health development below:

According to female garments workers, life security means safely resorting to their way in the

home and office, as they have to be harassed physically and mentally by some rowdy people. At

the same time secured living place. The female workers who are separated from their husband

feel too much insecure at their living place in slum as many bad guys tease them. Similarly,

health development means a healthy living place and bearable work pressure at their work

place as slum is not the place for healthy living, many diseases attack them frequently as well as

too much work pressure at factory or work place reduces their strength. Therefore, they define

development as life security and health security or development.

However, hunger free, poverty alleviation, rise of income, political stability are also the concern

of female workers as well as male worker’s concern as they define development like this terms.

Who suffer from hunger define development as hunger free, who are extremely poor and

income is too low define poverty alleviation and income increase who suffer from unrest of

political parties define like this, not all said same answers because problem and needs are not

same for all. Women are always concerned about security issues as they have to face so many

troublesome on the way of their work place and home and they have to suffer mostly from

much kind of diseases because of unhealthy living place. Therefore, within the group it differs

which has been indentified from the field and this is the 3rd objective of this study. Furthermore,

P a g e | 38

it can be seen that meaning of life security to street children and Garments workers are not

same. It differs because of their different socio-economic background.

Including all of these, the group of day laborer do not have any guarantee of getting work

every day and the income of those works are too low therefore, they all have same needs of

increase income and work opportunity for their survival. They want to sustain with their family

as they have burden to lead the family. Fixed incomes, which at least ensure their sustenance is

the key requirement for them and for a fixed income, they need permanent work, which enable

them to earn money for their livelihood. As a result, there are no different opinions regarding

development within this group according to the 3rd objective in this study as I have found. They

all have said same words about development what they suffer from. As they are suffering from

uncertain work and income, they mean development means to accomplish those expectations.

However, there are many different perceptions between garments workers and day laborers as

they have different needs from their own perspectives. A garment worker has permanent job

and fixed monthly income though that is not sufficient for their livelihood as they mean

development from their perspective and day laborer does not have even any permanent work

so they mean development from their need. Conversely, life security and health development

are vital issues for domestic workers who work for fulfilling their minimum needs. Therefore,

almost all of them have same needs. They define development in terms of health development,

life security, and increase income so that their poverty would reduce and except for a better

work. I have summarized that they mean to life security and health development below:

In the group of domestic workers, it can be seen that, they do not have any safety at their living

place even where they work, sometimes they have to be harassed physically at their work, and

bad people tease them to abuse. Most of them are separated from their husband and it will

create more problems in their life, therefore they go outside for work. From this perspective

life, security means safe work place and home to domestic worker where they do not have

violence against them. On the other hand, have to suffer from many diseases for polluted

water, insanitary toilet, and kitchen. Therefore, health security is must for development.

P a g e | 39

They think development from their needs as they do not have life security as female and most

of them do not have husband. Besides that, income and poverty reduction are most necessary

element for their livelihood. On the other hand, day laborers have different needs of a certain

work and they also need an approximate income for their survival. However, for that between

these two occupations have different perceptions regarding development. But, Rickshaw

pullers are not like domestic workers, they can earn monthly more 13 thousand taka if he works

hard on the other hand their monthly income range up to 8thousand taka. The young pullers

can work hard though too much hard work makes them sick. In addition, the aged pullers

cannot work hard as well as their physical strength is also little. In addition to this, political

instability makes their life insecure therefore; they feel insecure. Besides this, illiteracy makes

their life hell. People deceive them frequently. Because of this, almost all of them have same

perception regarding development. Political stability, which ensure their life security, health

security, ability to write and read, and finally income increase which is the main needs are

meant to development for them.

According to rickshaw pullers, life security means safe pulling rickshaw on road accident like

throwing petrol bomb, set fire to rickshaw can occur any time because of political unrest. On

the other hand, health security means physical strength and not being sick to them.

Between rickshaw pullers and domestic workers, have different needs. There are gender

differences between these two occupations as they have different perceptions regarding

development. CNG auto rickshaw drivers have comparatively higher income than other

occupation I have discussed so far. Therefore, they define development not only from their own

needs but also from national perspective like as, 47% of them have said to reduce poverty while

26% of said increase incomes. However, they also feel insecure with their life on the road

because of unrests. Rickshaw pullers and CNG auto drivers almost have similar perception and

little differences. Life security issues are similar to CNG auto drivers.

P a g e | 40

Conversely, Students are the pillar for a nation as they can make any type of change in a

country for its development and advancement. They have defined development from various

perspectives for the sake of country’s welfare. Within this groups almost all female talks about

women empowerment, as they are very concerned about their rights. There are 48% of

students who talks about fulfill the target of MDGs, reducing population explosion, stopping

child labor, stopping violence against women and equity of men and women for the sake of

development in the country. They mean to development like this. There are eight millennium

development goals (MDGs) to fulfill by 2015. United Nations declares the eight goals in the year

of 2000:

“Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger; Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education;

Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women; Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality; Goal 5:

Improve Maternal Health; Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases; Goal7: Ensure

Environmental Sustainability; Goal 8: Develop A Global Partnership for Development.”22

However, within this group, some said huger free, poverty alleviation, and increase income of

all level and groups of people is meant to development. On the other hand, some said, health

development and life security are must for development for that government should take steps

seriously with the support of development organizations and stopping political unrest as well as

ensure security of women by stopping sexual harassments, violence at home. Some said about

reducing unemployment and increase literacy rate for the higher growth of our GDP rate. There

are 36% of students said environment has to be saved for development. According to students,

stopping cutting trees, planting more trees, reducing noise, water and air pollution can save

environment.

4.3 Conclusion

In conclusion in this chapter I can say that, perception of development differ person to person.

Like, meaning of life security is different in different groups of people. Women and men want

22 http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/global.shtml

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life security in different ways from their own needs and socio-economic background as

discussed in chapter 1. There are differences in understanding in perception of development as

people have different needs and academic and family background. Therefore, among the all

occupations different level of perceptions of development as the working class people are the

most unprivileged and ignored in the society, they define development from their own needs

and scarcity. On the other hand, students are the asset for a nation; therefore, they view

development in most vital issues, which can make possible development in Bangladesh.

Objectives of the study wanted to identify these differences.

Chapter 5 Findings and Conclusion

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Throughout the study, indentifying the understanding and perception of development across

different occupations various reasons has been found. Now I will be presenting of those in this

section in discussion.

1. Rural-Urban migration

As I have surveyed in Dhaka city, I have been found all the urban poor who have migrated from

rural to urban for their betterment. They live in slums and other places making messes with

cheap rent. They have to endure economic and social deprivation. They live in unstable forms

where is no certainty of fulfill basic needs at least. Except garments workers, most of are in

unregistered work where is no fixed income per month. Although garments workers are in

formal work but their income is also low. Therefore, they suffer from extreme poverty and

hunger. As the working people are mostly migrated to Dhaka city considered as urban poor.

They are excluded and deprived mostly from all decision-making process and parts in our

society.

According to UNICEF,

“Extreme poverty in rural areas is the key issue in driving the mass migration to urban centers.

Yet, poverty is also the reality in urban areas, as a growing population places further strains on

the limited infrastructure and services. Millions of slum-dwellers in Bangladesh live stressful

lives among teaming rubbish because there is no waste disposal system. Slum houses perch on

the edges of fetid cesspools as there is inadequate sewer drainage and little access to sanitary

latrines. Raw sewage and industrial waste continue to be discharged into rivers and ponds.

These unsanitary conditions are exacerbated by seasonal floods.”23

2. Lack of work opportunity

The urban poor have come from rural areas for a fixed work so that they can survive better

than where they were previously. However, most of them are unskilled labor and illiterate

therefore getting a fixed work is not easy to them. At the same time there is not much work as

well, which is registered. Therefore, most of them join in informal work that is not certain and

income is too low.

3. Insecurity and uncertainty23 http://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/URBAN_Water_Sanitation_and_Hygiene.pdf

P a g e | 43

Economic and social deprivation leads to lack of work opportunity, ill health, insecurity and

uncertainty that makes their life difficult to survive. Lack of work opportunity and low incomes

fell them into extreme poverty and make their life in full of insecurity and uncertainty. Not only

hunger but also housing safety is a big issue for them. Street children and the women who live

in that kind of dwelling areas are not safe in any side. They are used to be harassed most of the

times physically and teased by bad people at the same time are forced to do offense. In

addition, women are not safe at their work place where they do household works as domestic

workers. Moreover, political unrest makes hell the life of this working class who live from

hand-to-mouth as because at that moment they have life risk of being burnt or attacked by

bomb or picketers on the road much. Consequently, in the terms of security, these people are

extremely vulnerable.

4. Forced to do unlawful activity

Among the urban poor children and women are the most vulnerable. In most cases, children

have to be forced on the streets for wrongdoings or exploited as domestic slaves in the houses

of wealthy families. Children and women are exploited in many ways at their living place, work

place and on the road as well. Their rights are not achieved at all. They are often recruited by

unlawful organizations to serve as drug peddlers and so many illegal works.

5. Women are repeatedly harassed

There are so many female workers I have found during my survey have come Dhaka with a

hope for a new beginning. Some of them are divorced; some of them are separated from their

husband. The reason behind it, husband offers dowry to their wife and they failed to fulfill the

demand of their husband as a result they have to be the subject to tortured physically and then

divorced or separated. When they come to Dhaka for a work to survival, bad people start

bothering them in many ways.

6. Insanitation

Slum dwellers live in the insanitary place and lead unhealthy life. They have to suffer from many

health diseases for this. Most of them are unskilled labor and physically unfit as well and in

addition, an unhealthy dwelling place causes their life to full of misery.

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7. Lack of access to pure water causes heath dieses

They also have to drink polluted water and use which causes many skin disease and so many

waterborne diseases.

8. Fulfill the target of MDGs and reduce population explosion

Students perceive and suggest for the better progression fulfill the eight goals of MDGs at the

same time control over population, which affect on the environment also.

However, throughout the above discussion, the result of the study has been revealed and the

last and fourth objective of the study is fulfilled.

Conclusion

After the whole discussion, what I can say that, defining development in particular terms like

only economic growth is not simplistic way. This is a generalized view that people perceive and

think in different levels. Therefore, what Prof. Sen says the happiness is depicted though the

data analysis.

Bibliography

Gardner, Katy and David Lewis (1996), “Anthropology, Development and Post-modern Challenge”, pp.20-21

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Nolan, Riall (2002), “Development Anthropology: Encounters in the real world”, west view press, USA. Ch: 2, ‘The Rise of the Development Industry’, pp.34 -35

Todaro, Michale P. and Stephen C.Smith (2009), “Economic Development”, Printed in the United States of America, ch:1 and 3,pp.15-16 and 110.

Wills, Katie, Routledge (2005), “Theories and Practices of Development” Ch: 1,P. 28

Khan, Farida Chowdhury, Ahrar Ahmed and Munir Quddus( 2009), ‘Recreating the Commons? NGOs in Bangladesh” (Bangladesh Development Initiative at The University Press Limited), pp.8-10 and 41. Sen, Amartya (1999), New York, “Development as Freedom” P.14.

Sen, Amartya (1988), “Handbook of Development Economics”, Volume L , Chapter 1Edited by H. Chenery and T.N. Srinivasan © Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., p.15.

Selim, Nadia (February 2009), “Domestic Service in Bangladesh A Case Study in Dhaka” p.30

Lewis, David, (2001), “The Management of Non-Governmental Development Organizations, An Introduction”, Routledge,London and New York, p.67.

Moazzem, KG and Saifa Raz ,( 2013 ), “Revision of the Minimum Wage in the RMG Sector in 2013 minimum wage structure”, Centre for Policy Dialogue Bangladesh (CPD) study, p:14.

"Police purge for Dhaka rickshaws".at BBC. December 20, 2002. Retrieved 2011-03-22.

Retrieved from the website:

See:http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/moronesj/human.dev.concept.summaries/The%20Human%20Development%20concept.docSee:http://personal.lse.ac.uk/lewisd/images/NonGovernmental%20Organizations%20and%20Development%20vouchers.pdf, ‘Non-Governmantal Organizations and Develpoement’ by David Lewis and Nazneen Kanji, p.24. See:https://koppa.jyu.fi/en/courses/134525/spring-2014/Sen-Concept-of-Development.pdfSee:http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/moronesj/human.dev.concept.summaries/The%20Human%20Development%20concept.doc and also http://www.arab-hdr.org/publications/contents/2002/ch1-e.pdfSee: Origins of the Human Development Approach at: http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/moronesj/human.dev.concept.summaries/The%20Human%20Development%20concept.docSee: http://www.uky.edu/AS/Courses/GEO260/Powerpoint/Concept_of_Development.ppt ’

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See:http://hr.law.vnu.edu.vn/sites/default/files/resources/management_of_non_governmental_development_organizations__an_introduction__.pdfSee: http://www.academia.edu/466731/THE_CONCEPT_OF_DEVELOPMENTSee: http://www.educ.kent.edu/community/vlo/perception/index.htmlSee:http://cpd.org.bd/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CPD-on-Minimum-Wage.pdfSee: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_laborSee:http://www.expressionsltd.com/content/Publications/Domestic%20Service%20in%20Bangladesh.pdfSee: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshawSee: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/global.shtmlSee: http://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/URBAN_Water_Sanitation_and_Hygiene.pdf

Appendix

Questionnaire Code:

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Area name _______ Place ______ Time____

1. (Ka) Socio-Economic Background

1. Respondent’s name

2. Gender – 1)Male 2) Female

3. Age-1)Up to 25 2) 26-30 3)31-35 4)36-40 5)41-46 6)47-50 7)51-60 plus

4. Marital status -1) Married 2)Unmarried 3) Widowed 4)divorced 5)Separated

5. Family Size -1) up to 3; 2) 4-6; 3) 7-10; 4)10 plus; 5) Not Applicable

6. Occupation -1) Main Occupation: 1. Student 2. Day Laborer 3. Garments Worker 4.

Rickshaw puller 5. CNG auto rickshaw driver 6. Vendor 7. Mistri (Labor) 8. Street

children (Tokai) 9. Domestic worker 10. Unemployed 11. Others.

2) Subsidiary occupation? -1. What is that and why have you taken? 2. NO

7. Monthly Income -1) up to 3000 tk 2) 3001 -8000 tk 3)8001-13000 tk 4) 13001-20000

tk 5)20,001-30,000 tk 6)30,001-40,000 tk 7)40,001-60,000 plus 8) Not applicable

8. Academic Qualification-1) Able to write and read 2) Primary 3) Secondary 4) Higher

secondary 5) Graduate 6) Post-graduate 7) Illiterate

9. Living Place – 1) Land Lord 2) Rented house 3) Slum 4) Foot Path 5)Hostel 6) Mess 7)

Sublet 8)Others

10. Monthly House rent -1) up to 2000; 2) 2001-6000; 3)6001-9000; 4)9001-15000;

5)15001-20,000; 6) 20,000 plus; 7) Not applicable

2. (Kha) Self-Perception of respondents

1. Are you satisfied with your work/work place? – 1) Fully 2) Approximately 3) if not,

why: 1. People do not appreciate in this work; 2. Income is not much in this work 3.

Life risk is higher 4. Remuneration does not pay in time 5. This work does not go with

my efficiency 6. Work place is not suitable 7. Others. 4) Not Applicable

2. Social Status – 1) extreme poor 2. Poor 3. Lower class 4. Lower middle class 5.

Middle class 6. Upper middle class 7. Upper class 8. Rich, 9. Others

3. (Ga) Perception of development

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1. What do you mean by development? – 1) Hunger free 2) Poverty alleviation 3)Increase

income 4) Health development 5) Political Stability 6) Environmental development 7)

Employment opportunity 8) Work opportunity 9) Life security 10) Able to write and read 11)

others

2. What do you mean by development? Explain in your own language

3. Why have you seen development like this?