Belal Hossain was born blind. He firmly believed that begging was the sole way of earning a living, but his thoughts took a U-turn on Monday following the begger rehabilitation programme in Thakurgaon sadar upazila.
Jogeshwar, Joynob Bewa, Darajul and Sagor Chandra, four other beggars of the upazila, had the same realisation following the programme. They have already started to dream of changing their lives through the programme.
Financed by Palli Karma Sohayok Foundation (PKSF), the beggar rehabilitation programme was being implemented by local non-government organisation Echo-Social Development Organisation (ESDO).
ESDO Manager Monir Hossain said a total of 61 beggars of Auliyapur union would be rehabilitated under the project worth around Tk61 lakh.
Economist Dr Muhammad Shahiduzzaman said if the project became successful, it would a role model in eliminating poverty.
Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Chandra Biswas distributed deeds of homestead, cows, cash, shops and houses worth Tk1 lakh to each of the five beggars.
Union parishad Chairman Jaforullah said primarily five beggars were selected following five investigations by different organisations.
During Monday’s programme, Sadar upazila Chairman Toimur Rahman and UP Chairman Jaforullah were also present.
Among the five beggars, Jogeshwar was given land, a new house, betel-nut shop and Tk5,000 cash; Joynob was given two cows, cattle feed, grocery shop and Tk17,000 cash; Sagor was given two cows, new house, shop and Tk7,000 cash; Darajul was given two cows, new house, betel-nut shop and Tk7,000 cash; and Belal was given grocery shop and Tk20,000 cash during the programme.