With Bangladesh's surging economy, it remains a shame that the issue of homelessness is as grave as ever, with a significant portion of the population struggling to find adequate shelter.
However, among the initiatives the government has taken, the Ashrayan Project is certainly one of the most commendable; in 2023, almost 40,000 families will get a roof over their heads ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr this year, under the fourth phase of Ashrayan-2 project.
The project, which was started by focusing on building homes for those who are living in slums or on the streets, as well as providing housing for those who have been displaced by natural disasters or other emergencies, is certainly one of the best initiatives undertaken to address the issue of homelessness -- most encouraging is the fact that we see tangible action and homes actually being built, instead of remain stagnant.
What is also encouraging is that these homes are not just temporary solutions, but permanent residences with access to basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. The project's prioritization, providing homes to vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly, is also extremely commendable.
However, what is needed are more such projects, and more thinking on how we can fully tackle the issue of homelessness in Bangladesh. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of affordable housing in urban areas -- the high cost of living in cities such as Dhaka makes it almost impossible for low-income families to find suitable housing.
In addition, there is a need for more social services to support those who are struggling with homelessness, such as equipping them with the right skills so that they can find a job.
If we are to indeed become Smart Bangladesh in less than 20 years, continued support and investment into eliminating homelessness must be prioritized -- we cannot accept people living on the streets and in makeshift homes any longer.