30/09/2011 12:42
Bangladesh to survey beggars
The authorities in Bangladesh are to carry out a survey of beggars in the capital, Dhaka, according to BBC.
The aim is said to be to find out the root cause of their problems and to offer them alternative livelihoods.
There are believed to be 40,000 beggars in Dhaka alone, a city of 12 million people.
Despite the government's efforts to abolish begging, the practice remains widespread in the capital and other parts of Bangladesh.
The survey, which gets underway on Friday, is the first of its type and the method involved has attracted criticism.
The beggars will be registered under different categories including seasonal or irregular, disabled, women and children.
The government has enlisted ten non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to carry out the survey.