The Role of Charity in Dhaka's sanitation and its residents’ health protection (1864-1947)

This article aims to evaluate the role of charity in Dhaka's sanitation and its residents’ health protection since the establishment of Dhaka Municipality in 1864 to the end of British Colonial rule in 1947. Using primary and secondary sources, the article shows that the government’s role in the medical care of the residents of Dhaka was minimal, while the local dignitaries and rich people played an important role. In addition to the development and expansion of Mitford Hospital, the role of local people was prominent in the establishment of Dhaka Medical School and Dhaka Medical College. One of the most significant steps taken to protect the interests of the people of Dhaka was the provision of filtered drinking water, which was made possible by the monetary grant of Nawab Abdul Ghani. However, there is a very few mentions of donations from the natives to deal with diseases, epidemics, and sanitary initiatives.