Dhaka: The increasing number of women begging on Dhaka’s streets is becoming a concern, as economic trouble and unemployment in the city may be related to the rise.
Beggars are populating Dhaka’s streets, marketplaces, and other public places, which is a growing problem following the takeover of the government by Muhammad Yunus. Now, it is common to spot gangs of beggars, especially women, at intersections begging for help. More and more authorities and residents are bothered by this problem, which they believe exposes underlying economic and social challenges.
A 2023 assessment found that there are at least 700,000 beggars spread throughout Bangladesh, and 40,000 are in Dhaka. Even though the Sheikh Hasina government had promised rehabilitation, they have failed to achieve much progress in this area. Since August 2024, the Yunus administration has taken no official actions to deal with this problem, so the capital’s beggar population remains uncontrolled.
The growth happens at the same time Bangladesh has improved its connections with Pakistan, which some say is involved in the illegal begging networks seen in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Certain analysts suggest parts of Pakistan’s beggar system are impacting Bangladesh, but there is not enough evidence to confirm this fact.
It is mainly economic factors that are causing this rise. The recent increase in Bangladesh’s unemployment rate to 5.3% is believed to be affected by high inflation. Dhaka Tribune highlighted heart-touching stories, including that of Rasheeda (name changed), who was begging because of her illness and inability to make money, and Tanzila, a 16-year-old begging for her brother’s treatment.
Out of the elderly people begging in Dhaka, 40% suffer from disabilities, which exposes them to more risk. Those who think giving money to beggars is good add to the problem, which encourages abuses in the system. While there are concerns about organised groups who solicit money, it is hard to find complete data about their organisation.
Some believe that the government of Sheikh Yunus has prioritised issues related to the country’s stability and foreign ties, although social welfare has been neglected. Posts there have discussed the role of Pakistan, and some people say, “Closeness to Pakistan is causing Bangladesh’s beggar flood,” but these claims have not been checked.
The increase in beggars in Dhaka indicates that Bangladesh needs to boost its economy and start specific social efforts. Because Pakistan’s influence is widely discussed, it is key to focus on solving healthcare access and unemployment to alleviate poverty. If steps to solve this crisis are not taken soon, the humanitarian problems for Dhaka will grow, putting the Yunus government under more pressure.
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