Residents and public interest organizations challenged slum demolition by government authorities; eviction deprives residents of means of livelihood and consequently right to life; obligations to provide natural justice before eviction; resettlement was recommended but not a right..
Despite the judgment, the Government evicted an additional 14,674 families (approximately 88,044 individuals) from 8 to 11 August 1999 (see COHRE and ACHR Mission Report below). In its annual review of cases, ASK notes that subsequent cases have drawn on the precedent, for example, Kalam & Ors v. Bangladesh & Ors 21 BLD (HCD) (2001) 446, but the Court again refrained from giving a direction for resettlement.
This case is important in Bangladesh for recognizing that constitutional and human rights protections apply in the case of eviction (see further commentary on Olga Tellis case).
Ain O Salish Kendra 26/3 Purana Paltan Line Dhaka 1000, PO Box 3252 Bangladesh Tel: +880 2 835 851 Fax: +880 2 835 561 They were represented by Dr. Kamal Hossain