Description

The plight of beggars in Bangladesh has persisted since before the birth of the country itself, with no durable solution in sight. Bangladesh has experienced economic growth, but systemic challenges, social stigma, and inadequate legal protections keep beggars in dire situations. There are laws that criminalise begging, such as the Vagrant and Shelterless Person (Rehabilitation) Act of 2011 and most of the regional laws (Police Ordinances and Acts) in Metropolitan areas. Through the lens of human rights, this paper provides a thorough analysis of the legal and social obstacles that beggars in Bangladesh face on a daily basis. It highlights a substantial gap between theory and practice by examining how this legal framework adheres to or deviates from Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations. In examining the various barriers that beggars in Bangladesh must overcome, the paper highlights the impact of societal attitudes and intersectional factors like gender, age, ethnicity, disability, and barriers to accessing social services, justice, and healthcare. In response, the paper proposes legal reforms, policy changes and advocacy strategies, arguing for a shift towards a more humane and inclusive approach to upholding the dignity and rights of beggars. Finally, it calls for changing social attitudes and legal frameworks for a more just and dignified existence for beggars in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Beggars, Vagrants, Rehabilitation, Human Rights, Shelterless, Homelessness.