95pc to leave begging if get alternative jobs

The report also revealed that about 99 percent beggars are unhappy with their profession and about 87 percent consider begging hateful.

The findings of the survey titled 'Beggars Survey 2006', conducted jointly by Bangladesh Peace and Development Mission (BPDM) and Rover Scout group of Government Titumir College, were presented at the National Press Club in the city.

The report was conducted on 1000 beggars at different traffic points, mosques places and Mazars (Shrines) in the capital during a period from October to December 2005.

Three visually impaired beggars presented the report.

According to the survey, almost all the beggars beg due to poverty caused by physical inability to work, non-availability of employment, divorce by husbands, river erosion and forced by others.

About 17 percent beggars are tortured by police, rent seekers and criminals, while 30 percent beggars' money was hijacked.

The daily average income of the beggars ranges from Tk 20 to 120, said the survey adding that visually impaired beggars earn more than others.

About 62 percent beggars have one to three kids, 30 percent have four to five kids and about 60 percent beggars have no working family member.

The survey also pointed out that 55 percent beggars are smokers while two percent are drug addicted.

Addressing the function Dr Azizur Rahman, principal of Government Titumir College, said a large number of people are compelled to beg due to poverty.

Shahana Pervin, a visually impaired beggar, called on the affluent people to extend their helping hand towards them so that they can live a normal life like others.

Israt Jahan, secretary of BPDM urged all to integrate the beggars into the mainstream of the society.

BPDM President MMA Bashar, Vice-principal of Titumir College Prof Nasreen Sultana, Chairman of Hasina Shams Foundation Muhammad Shamsul Haque and Home Economics College Principal Prof Farida Binte Lutfor also spoke.