Deprived of human rights, the nomadic lifestyle of the Gypsy community
Photo: Barta 24
The Gypsy community of Rangpur is living a nomadic life due to insecurity, unhealthy environment, deprived of education and medical care. They live in the forest by pulling polythene tents under the open sky along the banks of the Ghaghara river. The Gypsies like floating river water. 7/8 people live in one tent. No quality environment, medical care, education, sanitation, security or proper accommodation. They are nomads who pitch their tents to find shelter in harsh conditions.
It was found after visiting the spot, the tent has been made floating under Damdama bridge near Ghaggar river in Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur. They live in tents under the open sky even in various natural disasters, including being wet in the rain, enduring the unbearable heat in the sun, and suffering from the fog in severe winter. This is how the life of the Gypsy community has been going on for ages. They are deprived of several services of fundamental rights. But they are citizens of this country.
Bijli, who lives temporarily under the Damdama Bridge in Rangpur, said that life of ours is just a matter of drinking. If I camp on this side of the river, tomorrow is on the other side. It is not right where to stay and where to go. Such is life in gypsy style. We wanted the children to go to school, they leran reading and writing. Don't play like snakes, don't go around the village with poison pills. But any study? We want free treatment, education, nutrition in many places. There is nothing like that.
Chumki, a resident of the Gypsy community, who is living temporarily, said that it takes days to reach the river's current. Every day we go from village to village to hunt tooth worms, singa gaai, snake play show, and thus earn a few in the whole day. On top of that, storms, rains, and fogs are all the same. What should I do with my children? This is how it has to go on, it is very difficult for me. No house, no good water and toilet system.
In this regard, development researcher Umar Farooq said, the gypsy group or nomadic class of Bangladesh who could not be involved in our development activities. If we can't involve the people who are still deprived of their quality of life, neglected, deprived of those benefits, deprived of rights, through the coordinated initiative of the government, if we can't ensure them permanent residence and basic rights, then our entire development activities will be questioned.
When asked about this, Deputy Commissioner Mobaswer Hasan said that various plans are being taken to improve the quality of life of the gypsy community. We are trying to encourage them, it is a challenge. We are also trying to ensure law and order. Also, some organizations are working with children who are out of education, including children who were caught in the storm. There are some schools with Deep Eye Care and we have government institutions. We are trying
It is known that 100 Gypsy families who came from Bikrampur, Faridpur and Munshiganj districts have temporarily taken shelter in this place of the district. Playing with snakes and selling amulets are their main sources of income. In search of livelihood, they spend half of the year running around the country with a boat. They also want to live with family like common people.
