Panchagarh: The "Rehabilitation and Alternative Employment for the People Engaged in Begging" programme has been inaugurated in Panchagarh district, marking a significant step towards alleviating poverty and encouraging individuals to transition away from begging. The initiative was launched by Deputy Commissioner Md Sabet Ali, who distributed three battery-operated van carts to three beggars and a shop to another beggar at a ceremony held at Haribhasha union parishad premises in Sadar upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the beneficiaries of this programme include Mariyam Begum from Haribhasha, Muslim Uddin from Dangapara, Shahinur Begum from Dolopukuri Asrayan, and Dulal Hossain from Matiyapara in Haribhasha union. The event was attended by Panchagarh District Social Service Officer Aniruddha Kumar Roy, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Zakir Hossain, Haribhasha union parishad chairman Syed Noor-e-Alam, and local community members.
Previously, these individuals relied on door-to-door begging to make a living. Through the efforts of the Panchagarh district administration and the Sadar Upazila Department of Social Services, they have now been rehabilitated. Each beggar received an allocation of Taka 55 thousand for their rehabilitation, aiming to provide them with sustainable income sources.
The rehabilitation programme is set to expand gradually to all upazilas within the Panchagarh district. The initiative's success is reflected in the happiness and new-found hope of the rehabilitated individuals, who now aspire to earn a dignified living.
Muslim Uddin, one of the beneficiaries, expressed relief over the change, stating, "It is very difficult to beg from door to door. Now it is much better to get a van. Now we can earn living cost at our own labour to lead a happier life."
Deputy Commissioner Md Sabet Ali highlighted the programme's broader goals, mentioning that a total of Taka 55 lakh has been allocated through the Department of Social Services to aid beggars in all five upazilas of Panchagarh district. He emphasized the commitment of the rehabilitated individuals to refrain from returning to begging and assured that the programme will continue to support those willing to transition away from begging.