As Bangladesh continues on its path towards becoming a developed nation, eliminating homelessness should remain among its most important goals.
Given the volatility of the 21st century, it is more important than ever for our policies to align with equity rather than merely prosperity. To that end, the government’s Ashrayan project continues to be a bright light; just this week, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday handed over 18,566 more houses to the homeless and landless families.
Those of us with a roof over our heads know just how life-changing these homes can be to the poor; they only provide a roof over the heads of slum dwellers and homeless Bangladeshis, but play a crucial role in also restoring their dignity and sense of belonging. By transitioning from makeshift shelters to well-constructed homes, these families are able to enjoy improved sanitation and access to essential services like water and electricity -- eventually leading to a much better quality of life.
With that said, our unchecked urbanization, coupled with the influx of climate refugees and migrants, continues to exacerbate the housing crisis and as such, while projects to end homelessness ought to continue, what we also simultaneously require is a shift towards a more sustainable urbanization, coupled with more opportunities in rural Bangladesh so as to not compel people from leaving their hometowns in need for opportunities in cities.
Every person in a nation should have a home over their heads. It is not just a matter of providing shelter but a fundamental human right and a tell-tale catalyst for socio-economic development. We must continue to pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous society, where every Bangladeshi has access to a dignified living environment.