Begging booms in Dhaka while demand for domestic help remains high

From the bustling streets of Dhaka to its narrow lanes and marketplaces, the presence of beggars appears to be growing.

Begging has become a widespread and seemingly convenient means of earning an income. Many of those seeking alms appear capable of working but still choose this path.

At the same time, households across the capital continue to experience a strong demand for homemakers. Yet many women are turning away from this opportunity, opting instead to beg on the streets.

On the scorching pavement in front of the Secretariat last week, a nearly four-year-old child sits quietly with a bowl beside her mother, "Rasheda" (not her real name), aged around 40.

When asked why she begs instead of taking up work, Rasheda replies, "I'm ill. I can't work."

She shares that a well-known older man once told her: "You've already given birth to three children and can't feed them. You keep having fatherless babies to increase your sources of income."

Though visibly uncomfortable, Rasheda stops short of directly responding to the accusation.

In front of Metro Shopping Mall at Dhanmondi 27, 16-year-old Tanzila is also found begging.

Asked about her circumstances, she says, "My mother is a homemaker. My brother is sick. I beg to raise money for his treatment."

When questioned about her studies, she responds, "Who will care for my brother then? With what I earn from begging, I buy his medicine."

A middle-aged woman begging on a road in Rampura shares her view, "Working at home doesn't sustain us. If I work hard physically, my health deteriorates. But if I sit and beg, I can easily make some money."

At TSC and Suhrawardy Udyan, begging has become a regular sight. Individuals between the ages of 15 and 45 are frequently seen seeking help from passers-by.

Growing demand for homemakers

Households in Dhaka show a considerable demand for homemakers. With more couples engaged in full-time employment, managing work and domestic responsibilities has become increasingly difficult.

Families also seek caregivers for children or elderly members, but reliable help remains scarce.

Shathi Akter, 40, a resident of Banasree, says, "I have a part-time helper, but if she works one day properly, she disappears for three days. I need someone permanent. My mother is sick but I can't find anyone—even when I pay."

Padma, 35, who works at a private company, says, "I need a permanent worker to look after my five-year-old. After failing to find someone trustworthy, I reached out to several agencies. Their demands were beyond our means. One agency asked for Tk 10,000 monthly plus a security deposit."

Agencies and app-based services

Several organisations, including HelloTask and City Maid Agency, offer homemaker services online—although at a substantial cost.

City Maid Agency charges for homemaker services as follows:

8-hour stay – Tk 10,000 plus meals,

10-hour stay – Tk 11,000 plus meals,

12-hour stay – Tk 12,500 to Tk 13,000 plus meals,

24-hour stay – Tk 14,000 to Tk 18,000 including meals and accommodation.

HelloTask offers a two-hour daily package for Tk 2,500–Tk 5,000 monthly, depending on location. For a full-day eight-hour homemaker, the charge is Tk 12,000. They also provide insurance coverage of up to 50 percent of the product value (maximum Tk 20,000) for any unintentional damage, provided it is reported while the homemaker is still present.

Such rates represent significant sources of income—yet many individuals who beg on the streets do not pursue these opportunities.

Understanding the persistence of begging

Tawhidul Haque, Associate Professor of Social Welfare and crime analyst at Dhaka University, observes, "Many people look for the easiest way to earn. Lower-income individuals also want to earn, and they choose the path that seems simplest—begging is among them. Mostly they stand or sit in the street or in front of markets and shopping malls to get aid, even though they are capable of working. When told to work at home, they make excuses. Some even use their children as tools to earn this way."

"To reduce this trend, their own willingness to work is vital. Volunteer groups could be formed to encourage them. But such initiatives require organisational or individual effort. It's necessary to let them know that working is more dignified than begging," he added.