Dhaka city's vibrant street food culture is a joy for many. But its aftermath leaves much to be desired. Streets are littered with garbage, and the lack of waste management by street food hawkers is alarming. This is an urgent issue that needs immediate attention. Many hawkers do not provide bins. So, consumers irresponsibly toss waste on the streets or struggle to find proper disposal options. Another problem is the lack of hygiene. Most of the street food vendors don't maintain minimum cleanliness. They don't wash their hands properly and use their face musk. Foods are kept open. Food lovers also don't bother. They happily take foods prepared and served, compromising cleanliness. So, many ultimately face trouble in the stomach and become sick. Again, open urination is visible in some areas near the makeshift food shops. It is the most disgusting thing. How people can take food in such a polluted environment?
All these issues tarnish the city's image and exacerbate pollution and hygiene problems. It's a collective responsibility, and both hawkers and consumers must act responsibly. However, it's also crucial for authorities to step in and ensure that hawkers have proper waste disposal systems in place. This systemic change is necessary to keep our streets clean and our city liveable.
Saleheen Yeead
Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering, BUET
smsyeead98@gmail.com