Rally of beggars?

It was called a national rally of beggars. But the crowd at the auditorium was formed by people from different walks of life. Only a few said they were actually beggars.

"I work for a garment factory. But I was brought here by a neighbour who works for the organisers," said a 16-year-old boy, Milon, at the event held at the BMA auditorium in the capital.

Some of the women covered their faces in indignation when asked if they did beg for a living.

"I earn a living by working. I never liked people's pity," said domestic help Tahera, adding, "I heard they would feed everyone and give some money."

The organiser is a non-government organisation, Unnoyon Torannito Sangstha (UTS).

The presence of schoolchildren wearing cardboard crowns reading "I will not beg and learn to work" was also notable in the crowd.

"My father is a rickshaw puller and my mother is a domestic help," said a student of class IV.

Asked why he was wearing that crown, the boy said, "My grandmother who brought me here told me to put this on."

This correspondent estimated that over 100 people along with the chief guest, Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali, and other invited officials of the ministry were present.

Talking to 20 participants about their occupations, The Daily Star came to know that 15 were not beggars. Most said they came at the invitation of acquaintances.

Asked, UTS Executive Director Jannatul Ferdous said about 400 beggars attended.

In his address, the minister said his office would provide all necessary assistance to Jannatul. "I met her within three days of taking office," he said.

He also assured Jannatul that she would be given the responsibility to run government shelters for beggars.