One day during the monsoon season, as I was walking with my dogs at Dhanmondi lake in Dhaka, it started to pour. Shortly after, a beggar who I regularly greet passed by and urged me to take her umbrella. I could imagine people’s reaction: foreigner takes umbrella from beggar, so I refused despite her insistence. Recently I heard that a decision has been made to start a ticketing system at the lake so that anyone wishing to use the broad, pleasant walking paths there would have to pay. Presumably one reason for such a system is to keep out so-called undesirable elements: the beggars, hawkers, and street children (precisely my circle of friends). It’s a pity people think of such things: the beauty of public spaces is the opportunity to interact with people unlike ourselves. Once again, silence won’t change the system; if publicity succeeds, I’ll be sure to keep my readers informed!