A tree branch serves as a warning for a spot on the footpath at the intersection between Jatiya Press Club and Cirdap in the capital where pedestrians have been urinating, spreading an unbearable stench in the area. The photo was taken recently. Photo: Star

It was a busy Sunday morning. Pedestrians on the footpath between Jatiya Press Club and Cirdap in the capital were suddenly pausing at the intersection in between. Holding their nose, they were getting down on the street and again getting back on after walking around 30 feet.

Afsar Hossain failed to see what was going on in the rush to get to office on time. He suddenly discovered himself standing in mud reeking of a repulsive odour. Muttering in anger, he tiptoed across the remaining area cautiously.

“Do not people have any sense? Is this a place to urinate?” he vented out his frustration.   

On Tuesday, the footpath is found blocked off by rope with a sandal hanging from it. A hesitant young man there hesitantly looks around. Casting aside his shame, he squats. After he finishes responding to the call of nature, he is asked why he had to go there.

“I did not want to but the pressure was high. I could not resist myself,” he blushes as he speaks, declining to reveal his identity.

He, however, recognised the need for a public toilet. “If there was a public toilet, no one would use footpath,” he added.

Vagabonds too use the area at night for excretion, causing an intolerable stench to spread around the area. It comes off from the base of almost every big tree along the footpaths from Jatiya Press Club to Matsya Bhaban.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Executive Magistrate Kabir Mahmood said it was a “social disease”.

“Individual awareness is necessary to stop urination in public places,” he said.

Wishing anonymity, an official concerned of DSCC said due to the shortage of space, they could not set up mobile toilets.