Readers’ Voice

Public toilets are not a luxury, but a necessity

Amidst the glossy narratives of a booming Bangladesh, a multitude of social and civic issues fester like neglected wounds. These problems, often dismissed as “minor inconveniences,” are the insidious byproducts of a city prioritizing progress over people. Open urination, a seemingly trivial act, is a symptom of this neglect, a stark reminder of the hollowness beneath the veneer of development.

To dismiss public urination as mere habit or cultural practice is to miss the bigger picture. This act, brazenly performed in the shadows of educational institutions, shopping centers, and even bustling markets, speaks volumes about our societal apathy towards hygiene and basic human dignity. Walls bear the brunt of this practice, emitting noxious odors and creating a constant olfactory assault on residents. Flyovers, footbridges, and even neighborhood roadsides are not spared, transforming into open-air urinals.

The consequences of this neglect extend far beyond mere inconvenience. The floating population, accustomed to relieving themselves wherever possible, further exacerbates the problem. Street vendors occupying footpaths and shrinking public spaces force pedestrians to navigate a gauntlet of odious smells, holding their breath with whatever is at hand. During monsoon season, the nightmare worsens as rainwater mixes with human waste, creating a toxic cocktail that flows through our streets.

This is not just about toilets; it’s about reclaiming our streets, our dignity, and our health. It’s about acknowledging that development cannot be measured in gleaming towers alone, but in the well-being of the people who inhabit them. Let us build a Bangladesh where everyone has the right to respond to nature’s call with dignity, not desperation. Let us build a city where public toilets are not just functional, but a symbol of our commitment to progress that includes everyone.

Nahid Saifullah
MCJ Student
Rajshahi University