Humanity behind the street beggar in Dhaka City
Dr Matiur Rahman :
In the bustling metropolis of Dhaka, amid the cacophony of traffic and the whirlwind of urban life, exists a community often overlooked yet intricately woven into the city’s fabric: the street beggars.
These individuals, found at intersections, markets, and crowded streets, represent a complex tapestry of socioeconomic struggles, resilience, and the human spirit enduring against formidable odds.
Dhaka city showcases a diverse array of beggars, each with their unique stories and circumstances.
From children weaving through traffic, their innocent faces imploring for alms, to elderly individuals, weathered by time and hardships, seeking compassion from passersby, the beggars represent a mosaic of societal vulnerabilities.
Nusrat, a 12-year-old girl, represents the plight of many young beggars in Dhaka. Her family, residing in a slum area, faced extreme poverty, making it challenging to afford necessities, let alone education. With her father incapacitated due to illness and her mother struggling to make ends meet, Nusrat found herself on the streets of Dhaka, seeking alms.
Despite her tender age, Nusrat became a regular face at a busy intersection in the city. Her days were spent weaving through traffic, her palms outstretched, silently pleading for help. The streets became her classroom, the rhythm of honking cars her backdrop, as she navigated the dangers of begging amidst the chaotic urban landscape.
Nusrat’s story highlights the vulnerability of children thrust into the harsh reality of street begging due to familial hardships. Her dreams of education and a brighter future were eclipsed by the immediate need to contribute to her family’s survival. While she longed for the opportunity to learn and grow, the streets of Dhaka became her unforgiving reality.
Rahim, a middle-aged man, embodies resilience in the face of adversity. A once thriving rickshaw puller, a series of unfortunate events-a debilitating injury and subsequent medical expenses-plunged him into financial ruin. Unable to support his family, Rahim found himself on the streets of Dhaka, relying on the mercy of strangers.
Despite his physical limitations, Rahim persevered, using his wit and charm to appeal to the generosity of passersby. His days were spent stationed at a busy marketplace, engaging in conversation with patrons and vendors, his weathered face conveying stories of struggle and determination.
Rahim’s case sheds light on the precarious nature of livelihoods and the unforeseen circumstances that force individuals into begging. His resilience and ability to maintain a sense of dignity despite his circumstances exemplify the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The phenomenon of street begging in Dhaka is deeply rooted in socioeconomic disparities. Many beggars come from marginalized communities, facing poverty, lack of education, and limited access to basic necessities. For some, disability or illness becomes a factor that pushes them to the streets, as they struggle to find employment or support for their conditions.
Begging in Dhaka is entangled with cultural perceptions and societal attitudes. While some view giving alms as a charitable act embedded in religious teachings and compassion, others may hold skepticism or disdain toward beggars, perceiving them as a nuisance or part of a larger organized begging network. Such perceptions often contribute to the stigmatization of beggars, exacerbating their already challenging circumstances.
For the street beggars in Dhaka, each day is a struggle for survival. They navigate the congested streets, enduring harsh weather conditions and societal marginalization. Their existence hinges on the generosity of strangers, as they rely on the alms offered by passersby for their sustenance.
Street beggars, particularly children, are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Some may fall prey to organized begging rings, forced into the streets by handlers who exploit their innocence. Others face risks of exploitation by engaging in hazardous work conditions or succumbing to the perils of street life.
Various governmental and non-governmental organizations in Dhaka endeavor to provide support and rehabilitation for street beggars. Initiatives include shelters, vocational training programs, and educational opportunities aimed at reintegrating them into society and offering alternative livelihoods.
However, challenges persist in effectively addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding street begging. Limited resources, societal prejudices, and the complex nature of poverty pose hurdles in providing comprehensive support systems for this marginalized community.
Behind the visage of the street beggar in Dhaka lies a story-a narrative shaped by adversity, resilience, and the human desire for dignity. It calls upon society to foster empathy, compassion, and understanding, transcending stigmas and prejudices.
Every individual on the streets of Dhaka is a testament to the city’s collective responsibility to address the root causes of poverty and marginalization.
As Dhaka continues its evolution as a bustling urban center, it is imperative to redefine the narrative surrounding street begging.
This involves not just addressing the immediate needs of beggars but delving deeper into socioeconomic inequalities, providing sustainable solutions, and fostering a more inclusive society that upholds the dignity and rights of every individual.
The presence of street beggars in Dhaka city mirrors the complexities and challenges ingrained within the societal fabric. Their existence beckons us to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of poverty, vulnerability, and societal attitudes.
Embracing empathy, fostering sustainable interventions, and advocating for systemic changes are essential steps toward not only supporting the street beggars but also creating a more equitable and compassionate society for all in Dhaka.
(The writer is a researcher and
development worker.)
