By Tasnim Tabara Madhurza
As winter approaches, many of us eagerly await the cooler months with their promise of cozy evenings and festive celebrations. However, for the street dwellers of Bangladesh, winter signals the onset of hardship and suffering. These marginalized individuals, who already face daily struggles for survival, experience a heightened sense of vulnerability during the colder months. Street dwellers in Bangladesh include a diverse range of individuals: men, women, children, the elderly, and even entire families. Many have been displaced due to natural disasters, economic instability, or family conflicts. Living on pavements, railway stations, or under flyovers, they lack access to basic necessities such as shelter, proper clothing, and adequate food.
Bangladesh is home to around 42 million children aged 5-17 years, 32.2% of its total population (Ahmed et al. 2003). More than 400,000 children live in the streets of major cities of Bangladesh (de Benítez ST 2007). Dhaka city alone is home to nearly 249,200 street connected children (UNICEF 2009). Most street children are living in a situation of multifaceted vulnerability regarding their inaccessibility to basic socioeconomic amenities of life such as proper food and nutrition, permanent and safe shelter, access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, sufficient clothes, medical facilities, education and training, family environment etc.Winter in Bangladesh, though mild compared to many countries, is particularly harsh for those without shelter. Nighttime temperatures can drop to single digits in Celsius, a significant challenge for those who sleep on cold, hard surfaces. Without warm clothing or blankets, these individuals are left exposed to the elements, making them vulnerable to hypothermia and respiratory illnesses.The winter season exacerbates existing health issues among street dwellers. Poor nutrition, inadequate hygiene and lack of medical care make them more susceptible to illnesses such as colds, pneumonia and bronchitis. Children and the elderly are especially at risk, as their immune systems are less prepared to tackle the cold.
For most street dwellers, winter mornings begin with the search for warmth. Fires made from scraps of wood, plastic, or trash are a common sight in urban areas. These makeshift solutions offer temporary relief but come with their own set of risks, including respiratory problems from inhaling toxic fumes.Warm clothing and blankets are luxuries that few can afford. Many rely on discarded garments or the occasional handouts from charitable organizations. However, many homeless dwellers suffer in winter. Among the most vulnerable street dwellers are children, who often lack the strength or resources to fend for themselves. Many street children are orphans or have been abandoned by their families. They spend their days begging, scavenging, or performing menial jobs to earn a meager income. The sidewalks of Old Dhaka, including Sadarghat, Laxmibazar, Tantibazar, Bahadur Shah Park, Shyambazar, bear witness to hundreds of homeless and thousands of low-income individuals spending nights wrapped in scanty clothing, barely enough to ward off the biting cold.
Winter adds an extra layer of difficulty to their already challenging lives. Without warm clothing or shoes, many suffer from frostbite, cracked skin, and other cold-related sickness.Women living on the streets face unique challenges during winter. In addition to the physical hardships of staying warm, they are often subject to harassment and violence. The lack of privacy and safety makes it difficult for them to maintain basic hygiene or protect themselves from predators.
Pregnant women and mothers with young children are particularly vulnerable. The cold can complicate pregnancies and lead to health issues for both mothers and infants. For these women, every day is a battle against both the elements and societal apathy.While various NGOs and charitable organizations step in to provide relief during the winter months, their efforts can only reach a fraction of those in need. Distribution of blankets, warm clothing and food is often limited to urban areas, leaving rural street dwellers and those in remote regions largely forgotten.The government has launched initiatives to assist vulnerable populations during winter, such as distributing relief materials and setting up temporary shelters.
However, these measures are often insufficient and troubled by logistical challenges. Corruption and inefficiency further dilute the impact of these programs, leaving many street dwellers to protect for themselves.The government often organizes imiatives to distribute warm clothing and blankets to those in need,especially targeting low-income families and vulnerable poplations such as children and the elderly.Tackling the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty, unemployment, and displacement, is crucial. Sustainable development programs and affordable housing initiatives can provide permanent solutions for street dwellers.
As we wrap ourselves in warm blankets and enjoy the comfort of our homes, it is essential to remember those who face the winter without such privileges. A small act of kindness donating a blanket, volunteering time, or simply acknowledging their existence can make a significant difference in the lives of street dwellers.The silent struggles of these individuals serve as a significant reminder of the inequalities that persist in our society. By extending our empathy and support, we can help ensure that no one is left to face the cold alone. Let us strive to create a society where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to experience warmth both physical and emotional during the winter months and beyond.
The writer is a member of the Social Research Group (SRG) and an undergraduate student of Public Administration at Comilla University, Bangladesh. The article is a work in progress.
