Dhaka, Aug. 22 -- Speakers at a dialogue here on Thursday demanded formation of a 'national slum commission' to unearth the reasons behind repeated fire incidents in slums.

They also demanded the government provide Tk 15 crore as compensation to 5,000 families of 'Chalantika' slum gutted in Mirpur on Friday last alongside taking steps for ensuring accommodation for the low-income people.

Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) and Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) jointly organised the dialogue at the Jatiya Press Club.

Speaking at the programme, Oikya Nap President Pankaj Bhattacharya said there is a High Court rule not to remove slums, but many are being evicted every year following fire incidents.

"So, it's essent...