Living in the shadows

Since my childhood, I have harboured a simple dream: to reside in a house with a spacious balcony, a place where I could gaze at the vast sky above and feel the gentle caress of the breeze on my skin. However, the reality of urban living in Dhaka, particularly in middle-class residential areas, has turned this dream into an elusive fantasy. The pressing issue here is the overwhelming phenomenon of buildings being constructed unnervingly close to each other, leaving practically no gap between them.

This reality is not unique to my experience alone. Numerous studies and reports on urbanisation trends in Dhaka highlight the widespread construction of buildings with minimal spacing, primarily affecting middle-class residential areas. The consequences of this phenomenon extend beyond personal inconvenience to the broader social fabric of these neighbourhoods.

In the heart of this crowded city, my mother faces the agony of nurturing plants on our balcony. The lack of direct sunlight due to the mere half-foot gap between our building and its neighbour stifles her efforts. The lush greenery that one envisions adorning balconies becomes a challenging feat in the cramped spaces of Dhaka's burgeoning middle-class localities.

Imagine the frustration of not being able to witness the sky's grandeur from your window or balcony. The air feels suffocating, the buildings tower over you like looming giants. It's not just an inconvenience; it's a daily struggle against claustrophobia. This situation, especially for children growing up in such tight quarters, hampers their mental and physical growth. The lack of open spaces deprives them of the freedom to explore, inhibiting their natural development.

However, beyond personal discomfort, the most crucial concern emerges: safety. With buildings standing shoulder to shoulder, the threat of earthquakes or fires becomes an ever-present fear. The very idea of a catastrophe sends shivers down one's spine. What would people do when faced with such a calamity? The proximity of these structures raises an alarming question about the preparedness and resilience of these closely-knit communities in the face of unforeseen disasters.

The essence of urban living lies in the balance between convenience and nature. Dhaka's middle-class residents find themselves caught in a paradox where the demand for housing overshadows the need for open spaces. As the city continues to expand, one can't help but wonder: how long can we sustain this trend of constructing buildings so close together? Is the sacrifice of our dreams of open balconies and unobstructed views worth the risks we face?

Amid this urban struggle, the longing for a breath of fresh air and a glimpse of the sky remains a distant hope. The legacy of cramped living spaces challenges the very essence of a fulfilling life, prompting us to reflect on the cost of progress and the importance of striking a harmonious balance between development and the basic human need for space and safety.

Sheikh Sidratul Muntaha is a student at the English Department of the University of Asia Pacific.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.