They also called upon the Election Commission (EC) to simplify the process of preparing the voter list making it less time consuming for the convenience of the slum dwellers.

The workshop titled 'Fixing up future action plan to ensure the voting rights of the slum dwellers' was organised by Dhaka Development Forum (DDF) in association with Steps Towards Development (Steps) at Chhayanaut Bhaban in the city.

Presenting a keynote paper at the workshop, Priya Saha of DDF said it is the constitutional rights of every citizen irrespective of religion, caste, gender and socio-economic condition to become a voter and participate in the election.

But history shows that the slum dwellers, especially the women could not include their names in the voter list due to many reasons, she added.

"Inclusion of slum dwellers in the voter list for the upcoming election is very significant as a voter will be entitled to get 22 various facilities," Priya pointed out.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranjit Das of Dustha Shashtha Kendra

apprehended that the 'three-step' process of enlisting names in the voter list may discourage the slum dwellers to become voters.

He called for massive campaign through media to create awareness among them about the utility of national identity (ID) cards.

Nilufa Begum of Shakti Foundation said skilled manpower should be engaged in preparing correct voter list within short time.

She suggested introducing ration system as an incentive to make slum dwellers interested in national ID.

The speakers underscored the need for forming an umbrella network of NGOs in cooperation with the representatives of Bastibashi Odhikar Unnayan Committee to raise awareness among the slum dwellers since the government has no budget allocation regarding awareness campaign.

Moderated by DDF President Dr Mahmudur Rahman, the workshop was attended by representatives from 45 NGOs including Brac, Karmojibi Nari, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, Bangladesh Legal Aid Services Trust, Action Aid, Care and Bangladesh Women Health Coalition.