The authorities will conduct special operations soon to drive away beggars from the capital.
Among them, those who are forcing or inspiring poor people in the profession to earn money will be arrested. All those detainees would be rehabilitated in their village homes so that they do not need to beg alms anymore, Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali told the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
According to the ministry’s data, there are around 100,000 beggars in the Dhaka, a city of over 1.2 crore people. Most of them regardless their age are seen begging on different streets and public places. Many of them are physically disabled.
The Directorate of Social Welfare under the ministry carried out a survey on beggars in the capital in 2012. A total of 10,000 beggars were brought under the survey to find out the root cause of their problems and to offer them alternative livelihoods.
The government then enlisted 10 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to carry out the survey where the beggars were registered under different categories including seasonal or irregular, disabled, women and children.
The scheme to survey the beggar population in the capital was conducted amidst criticism from some human rights groups at that time. They argue that the survey was meant for discriminating against the beggars rather than rehabilitating them.
Despite the government’s efforts to abolish begging, the practice remains widespread in the capital as well as in other parts of the country.
According to the ministry, 66 identified beggars were rehabilitated in Mymensingh and Jamalpur district during the previous government tenure. They were given a rickshaw van and TK5,000 each.
But, most of them returned to the profession again within only five to six months as they can earn more by begging every day, say ministry officials. A section of culprits are using these poor people as their earning sources.
“The culprits, who are bringing them into begging or using them as earning sources destroying the city, will also be detained hauled during the drive. They will be punished according to criminal laws. It is quite impossible to ensure a beggar-free Dhaka without rooting out the culprits,” the minister said.
He said the ordinary beggars would be detained too along with their bosses. “We will help those who want to go back to their villages and take alternative professions.
“We will give them vocational training. For some others, we are ready to give old-age pensions. For the rehabilitation programme, we needed precise information about the beggars. We have already got it. Steps will be taken shortly,” he added.
The minister said since begging is banned in the capital, there is a danger that “anyone who admits of being a beggar can be considered as an offender. But the government will not punish them who come forward to take part in the rehabilitation programme.”
Earlier in mid 2013, the government said it had decided to clear beggars from some locations in the capital including Shahjalal International Airport area, Bailey Road, the diplomatic zone and places surrounding the embassies, and the Sonargaon, Ruposhi Bangla and Radisson hotels.
After the Awami League-led government passed the Vagrant and Homeless Persons (rehabilitation) Act, 2011, NGOs namely Brac, Ain o Salish Kendra, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (Blast), ADD International and Nijera Kori protested the move terming the law a means for throwing homeless people in jail as they are labelled as possible criminals.
The law also says the government will establish more shelters for the vagabonds.