DSCC drive in Dhaka's Gulistan removes more than 100 illegal structures, seizes goods and warns of arrests

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has removed more than 100 illegal shops and structures in Gulistan in the capital, Dhaka, as part of its regular programme to free roads and footpaths from occupation. Goods and equipment from the removed structures were seized during the drive.

The drive was carried out on Wednesday, 28 October, from 10am to 1pm on the footpath adjoining Dhaka Trade Centre and Fulbaria Supermarket. Four DSCC executive magistrates, more than 100 eviction workers and police members took part.

During the drive, the DSCC Administrator said roads and footpaths are being cleaned and kept free of occupation as part of the city corporation's regular programme. Specific footpaths, night markets and holiday markets have been designated for hawkers, and hawkers will be allowed to sit only in the designated places, he said.

He said the entire road from Gulistan to Sadarghat in particular will be kept completely clear, and hawkers will not be allowed to sit on the main road in any way.

On warnings to hawkers, Md Abdus Salam said that besides warning through various means to keep roads and footpaths free, meetings had been held several times with leaders of hawker organisations. But many sit there again even after eviction. For that reason, he said, there is now no option but to take strict legal action.

He said if anyone sits in violation of the rules, their goods will be seized. Arrests will also be made if necessary. Such drives to keep roads and footpaths free will continue as an ongoing process, he said.

The drive was led by DSCC Chief Estate Officer and Executive Magistrate Md Rezaul Karim, Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Magistrate Jonaid Kabir Sohag, Estate Officer and Executive Magistrate Hasiba Khan, and Executive Magistrate (Senior Assistant Secretary) Md Aminul Islam.

Dhaka South City Corporation said the work to keep the capital's roads and footpaths free of occupation will continue in future as well, to ensure uninterrupted and safe movement for pedestrians.

Paltan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam said Dhaka South City Corporation is conducting the drive. Extended parts of buildings in Gulistan and surrounding areas are being demolished, he said.