Begging on rise in Lalmonirhat
The number of beggars in the district is increasing due to poverty and lack of jobs, except as farm labourers, for the landless people.
There is a government scheme for rehabilitating beggars under the Social Welfare Department, but it is yet to be started in the district.
“I used to be a vegetable vendor, but couldn't continue due to my poor vision,” said Jamsher Ali, 62, a man with poor eyesight of Sharatpara village in Bhadai union under Aditmari upazila. He added that he earns Tk 200 to Tk 250 everyday with the help of his grandson Nahid Islam, 8, a student of Class II at Sharatpara Government Primary School.
Kafil Uddin, 62, of Fulgachh village in Lalmonirhat Sadar, said he has been begging for the last 15 years as he is physically unfit.
“I started begging eight months ago as my two sons don't take care of me,” said Meher Bewa, 58, of Bishbari village. “At first I felt humiliated while begging, but now I'm used to it, and many women have started begging,” she added.
Deputy Director of District Social Welfare Department Mosharaf Hossain said he will write to the ministry concerned to start the government scheme for rehabilitating beggars in the district.
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