Building resilience in urban slums: exploring urban poverty and policy responses amid crises

The rapid urbanization of the Global South has intensified the challenges faced by urban slum communities, leaving them particularly vulnerable to socioeconomic shocks. Despite growing attention to urban poverty in these regions, limited research explores how such challenges intertwined with socioeconomic shocks during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the experiences of slum residents in Bangladesh during the pandemic through the lens of social exclusion theory and urban resilience, focusing on the role of governmental responses. The research employed a qualitative research approach, incorporating in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, observation methods, and thematic analysis to achieve its objectives. The findings reveal that the pandemic critically threatened the income and food security of the urban poor. Moreover, the study found that many slum residents had to leave the cities, faced social exclusion, and experienced a digital divide. Findings highlight significant shortcomings in government measures, emphasizing the need for stronger social safety net programs, public–private partnerships, and economic resilience strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of building urban resilience and fostering sustainable urban development by addressing the multi-dimensional vulnerabilities of slum communities. The study provides insights into crisis management and resilience building, offering evidence-based recommendations for mitigating the effects of urban poverty and enhancing urban sustainability. © The Author(s) 2025.