A stroll through the alleys near prominent areas of the capital reveals a common sight: “For Rent” signs plastered on walls, with a recurring message – “Not suitable for singles.”
Numerous young students and professionals relocate to Dhaka, leaving their families behind to pursue education or work. While Dhaka embraces individuals with the means to stay, the same hospitality is not extended by landlords or residents. Life in Dhaka poses challenges for young men without local family support.
Many landlords exhibit reluctance in leasing their properties to single men, often stereotyping them as noisy, troublesome, irresponsible, late on rent payments, or likely to disturb other tenants. Despite initial reservations, landlords sometimes overlook these biases, albeit at a premium.
For instance, in the Merul Badda area before BRAC University relocated fully in 2023, students seeking accommodation were often turned away at the gate by security upon mentioning they were single students.
Addressing this issue, Afif Rahman, a BRAC University student, noted, “Now these very landlords exclusively reserve their apartments for students, charging nearly double the rent for a unit with a single bathroom, mosaic floors, and no elevator!”
In various parts of Dhaka, single men frequently encounter higher rental rates compared to families, as per multiple grievances.
Riad Uddin, a student at East West University, shared his challenges in securing housing with a roommate, “When we searched for an affordable place a few months back, most options were geared towards females or families.”
“The few landlords willing to accommodate us demanded exorbitant rent and utility fees. It felt like an additional tax for renting as single men in Dhaka.”
Compelled to pay inflated rents, those lucky enough to find lodging often share with other singles to alleviate the financial strain. Yet, their struggles persist.
Even when reluctantly accepted into a building, many single men lament the lack of equal freedom and respect compared to families.
Devjoti Mondal, a CSE student, voiced his concerns, “Despite paying rent like everyone else, we face restrictions on building access, receive abrupt eviction notices, and lack freedom in choosing services like internet providers.”
Md Hadiul Islam Purno Mridha, a working professional in Dhaka, encounters similar hurdles balancing work and singlehood in a sublet apartment.
He remarked, “Despite paying extra rent, we face dissatisfaction as tenants. Landlords control basic necessities such as roof access, main gate keys, and even water supply timings.”
The challenges extend beyond mere accommodation. Being away from family takes an emotional toll, compounding the daily struggles of students and professionals.
Syeed Farhan, a university student, expressed, “Living alone, especially at night when the fridge is nearly empty, accentuates the loneliness of sublet living.”
Afif Rahman emphasized, “Living independently in Dhaka exposes the harsh reality of survival costs in the city. Expenses on groceries, rent, and utilities necessitate higher earnings just to get by. In times of illness, you are on your own.”
Though daunting, some find positives in the experience. Reflecting on personal growth, Afif shared, “Living independently imparts valuable life lessons early on, fostering maturity beyond one’s years.”