Rehabilitating beggars

Dhaka city remains full of beggars during the holy month of Ramadan. They can be seen anywhere and everywhere asking for alms. Apart from the regular beggars, a large number of seasonal beggars migrate to the capital from different parts of the country during the fasting month. Unfortunately, oftentimes it has been seen that many people who appear healthy and able-bodied are seeking alms. And many people even hand out money to these healthy-looking people thereby encouraging them to beg. Begging, I believe, is not a crime if the person is in poverty. But it raises suspicion when the person seems able, yet does nothing to better their situation. Many helpless people are also forced into the profession by organised crime syndicates.

The government launched a programme in 2010 under the Department of Social Services for rehabilitation and alternative employment for people engaged in begging. Several NGOs too have played a vital role in assisting the rehabilitation. While the actions undertaken seem to have done some good, the problem continues to exist at the root level. Unless the authorities take strict measures, it appears that beggars, real or fake, will continue to exist.

Fariha Tabassum Piya,

Student of Department of Management,

University of Dhaka, Dhaka,

f.tabassum36@gmail.com