Mohammad Rukanuddin

Every day, as we walk through the bustling streets of our cities, a familiar and often heartbreaking sight greets us. In front of grand mosques, near peaceful graveyards, within the lively chaos of market places, and even in the quiet corners of our streets and alleys, we see
them: poverty-stricken people, extending a hand, seeking alms and donations. This scene, repeated countless times, hurts our hearts. We feel a deep sadness, a sense of helplessness, often able to do little more than offer a small amount of money, which feels like a temporary fix to a permanent problem.
The problem of street begging is complex, rooted deeply in poverty, lack of opportunity, and often, personal tragedies. Many of these individuals are not choosing this life; they are forced into it by extreme circumstances. They might be elderly and abandoned, people with disabilities unable to find work, women with young children who have nowhere else to go, or even victims of trafficking and exploitation. Their presence is a stark reminder of the social and economici nequalities that persist in our society.
While our individual acts of charity are born from kindness, they are not a sustainable solution.Giving money directly to beggars, while momentarily easing their hunger or providing a tiny comfort, does not address the root causes of their plight. In some cases, it can even
unintentionally support networks that exploit these vulnerable people. What is truly needed is a comprehensive, long-term approach that aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate these individuals into society, offering them a path to dignity and self-reliance.
This is where the role of the state becomes crucial. The government has a moral and social responsibility to look beyond the immediate act of begging and address the systemic issues that create this visible poverty. We need a national strategy that focuses on rehabilitation, not just removal from public sight.
First, identification and registration are key. A proper survey needs to be conducted to understand who these individuals are, their backgrounds, their specific needs, and why they are begging. This data can help categorize them and design tailored support programs.Second, shelter and basic necessities must be provided. Safe, clean shelters that offer food, water, and sanitation are the immediate humanitarian response. These should be more than just temporary holding centers; they should be places of safety and initial stability.
Third, healthcare and psychological support are vital. Many street beggars suffer from untreated illnesses, injuries, and mental health issues. Access to free medical care and counseling can address these critical needs, helping them regain physical and mental strength.
Fourth, skill development and education offer a path out of poverty. For those who are able,
vocational training programs can equip them with marketable skills, allowing them to find  employment. Basic literacy and numeracy classes can also empower them and open up new possibilities. For children found begging, compulsory education must be ensured.
Fifth, social reintegration and livelihood support are the final steps. This involves helping them find sustainable jobs, providing initial financial support if needed, and connecting them with community networks. For the elderly or those with severe disabilities, permanent social welfare programs, such as pensions or specialized care facilities, should be established. Finally, addressing the root causes of poverty is the overarching goal. This includes creating more job opportunities, improving access to education and healthcare for all citizens,
strengthening social safety nets, and tackling issues like internal migration and landlessness that push people into destitution.
The sight of poverty-stricken people begging on our streets is indeed unbearable. It is a collective heartache. But we must move beyond just feeling sad and giving loose change. It is time for our government to step up with decisive action, to implement thoughtful and compassionate policiesthat offer these vulnerable citizens a genuine chance at a life of dignity. Only then can we hope to transform these unbearable sights into scenes of hope and progress for our entire society.
The writer is Assistant Professor of English and President of AUST Cultural Club,
Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka