Home for all will be a dream come true

We welcome the prime minister's announcement to build homes for all homeless people in Bangladesh soon. It is, no doubt, the right step in lessening the lifelong miseries of the poor and ultra-poor. At a time when our economic progress and other achievements are getting positive mentions in the world press, we have millions of our own kind breaking their backs for a morsel of food, many without a decent shelter or home of their own. Therefore, although a lofty goal, if the home for all concept indeed comes true, it would be a big relief for the homeless and go down in history as a great example of good governance. It would also be a tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who shared this dream and included the article "right to shelter for every citizen" in the Constitution of Bangladesh.

It has been observed that the thatched houses of ultra-poor families in rural areas are built with dry leaves, straws and discarded plastic sheets, which get washed away by rain and wind. On the other hand, a solidly structured house made with durable materials will not require frequent maintenance, and will last much longer. A concrete house, therefore, would come as a boon to them, especially with electricity now reaching every household in the country.

While talking about low-cost housing for the homeless, we have to keep in mind the climate pattern of the country. It is widely known that Bangladesh is prone to frequent natural calamities like floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, etc. These vagaries of nature leave a trail of disasters in their wake for the poor. Therefore, we would like to emphasise that the "house for the homeless" project must be implemented by competent people with utmost honesty and sincerity, using durable construction materials so that they may last long. We believe identification and registration of genuine homeless people are also essential for the success of the project. In this regard, the offices of the local administration and their political counterparts must play their due roles. 

The sooner the homes for the homeless are completed, the better for the beneficiaries. This, however, should be part of a bigger vision to eradicate poverty so people can live with dignity, and don't have to be reliant on charity and concessions.