While the rainy season in Bangladesh is often viewed as a symbol of natural beauty and renewal, for thousands of street children, it is a season of fear, hardship, and relentless struggle. Each drop of rain deepens their daily fight for survival-without proper shelter, food, healthcare, or access to education, these children face constant adversity.
Water-logging is a recurring issue in cities across the country, including the capital. In Kishoreganj city, for example, 62 per cent of roads become waterlogged whenever it rains. For street children, this water-logging brings serious hazards. Without a safe place to stay, many are forced to sleep in open spaces like sidewalks or railway platforms. Exposure to rainwater and mud often leads to cold-related illnesses-some of which prove fatal.
One tragic example is the death of 12-year-old Md. Ibrahim on October 2, 2024, in Bangshal, Dhaka. He was electrocuted after coming into contact with an electric pole while walking through rainwater. Sadly, such accidents are not uncommon. Exposed wires and electric poles become deadly threats during rain, especially for children living on the streets.
Rain also disrupts the already fragile education of street children. In Gaibandha, the building of Kalmu FNC Government Primary School was submerged by river erosion, forcing classes to be held under the open sky for the past one and a half years. When it rains, classes come to a halt, further distancing these children from education. This deepens an already grave cycle of deprivation and disempowerment.
Street children also suffer from a range of rain-related health issues, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. Due to malnutrition, a lack of warm clothing, and little to no access to medical care, many succumb to these illnesses.
To address this crisis, coordinated action from both government and non-governmental organisations is essential. Measures such as building temporary shelters, distributing warm clothing, deploying mobile medical units, and ensuring accessible education must be prioritised. At the same time, awareness must be raised among the general public, encouraging personal and social initiatives to support these vulnerable children.
Though rain is a gift of nature, for street children it often brings misery, pain, and danger. Every drop carries a hidden story of suffering. It is time we, as a society, unite to protect these children and ensure them a life of dignity and safety.
Sadia Sultana Rimi
Student, Department of Mathematics
Jagannath University, Dhaka