Winter arrives silently. For some, winter means comfort inside warm blankets, steam rising from a cup of hot tea, and lazy moments spent by the window. But for people living on the streets, winter is an alert signal almost equal to death. As night falls, the cold wind pierces the body like a knife. For those lying under the open sky, winter is not a season winter is a cruel test where surviving each night itself becomes a kind of victory. People who live in comfort enjoy the chilly nature of winter. They wish the winter season would last even longer. But for those who live in inhuman conditions on the roadside or in baskets, winter feels like a curse.
Although winter in Bangladesh is relatively short, its impact on the lives of the homeless is devastating. From the capital to district towns, railway stations, bus terminals, sidewalks, and launch ghats, winter brings out the long sighs of helpless people everywhere. Some of them are unemployed laborers, some are separated from their families, and some are people pushed onto the streets by the blows of life. For these individuals, who have been pushed out of the mainstream of society, winter becomes the most difficult time, when survival itself turns into a challenge.
On winter nights, if one walks along the sidewalks, the scenes are heartbreaking. An elderly person shivers, wrapped in old newspapers, while nearby a mother clutches her small child to her chest, trying to provide warmth. Many try to cover themselves with polythene, sacks, or cardboard. In some places, a few people gather to light a fire and warm their hands, but even that fire offers no real safety. Diseases like pneumonia, respiratory problems, fever, and diarrhea become their constant companions during winter. Medical treatment is a distant dream. many times, even before they realize they are seriously ill, life comes to a sudden halt.
Multiple reasons lie behind this inhuman living condition of the homeless. Poverty and lack of employment are primary factors. Without work there is no income, and without income there is no shelter. As a result, they are forced to live on the streets. Weak social security systems are another cause. When winter arrives, relief activities become visible, but they are not sufficient and do not reach everyone. It is often seen that while some people living on sidewalks receive limited relief and get some protection from the cold, the majority continue to suffer. Mental and familial isolation is another major factor. Many homeless people are without families or have been abandoned by them, leaving no one to take care of them. The inhumanity of urban management is also responsible. People living on sidewalks, stations, or open spaces are frequently evicted without any alternative shelter arrangements, making them even more vulnerable during winter.
To overcome this crisis, collective efforts are essential. The state must establish permanent winter shelters where homeless people can spend the night safely. The distribution of winter clothing needs to be planned and regular. Not only blankets, but also warm clothes, socks, and separate clothing for children must be ensured. Mobile medical services should be introduced so that people affected by winter-related illnesses can receive primary treatment. Individuals and social organizations must play an active role. Instead of storing unused clothes, they can be delivered directly to homeless people. Most importantly, these individuals must be seen not as objects of charity, but as human beings.
Winter is a temporary discomfort for us, but for the homeless it is a matter of survival. Our responsibility toward the most vulnerable people in society should not be limited to festive days, it should be reflected in everyday humanity. If we become a little more sensitive and step forward just a bit, perhaps one less life will be lost to the cold on some night. A blanket, a warm meal, or even a compassionate glance these small acts can become a light of life for them in the darkness of winter.
