DSCC Clears More Than 100 Illegal Shops from Footpaths near Dhaka Trade Centre and Fulbaria

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has removed more than 100 illegal shops from the footpaths adjoining Dhaka Trade Centre and Fulbaria Supermarket in the capital. The drive was carried out on Wednesday (28 October) as part of the corporation's regular campaign to keep roads and footpaths free of encroachment.

The operation ran from 10am to 1pm. Four DSCC executive magistrates, more than 100 eviction workers and six platoons of police took part.

Illegal structures were demolished using heavy machinery including a payloader. Goods and equipment from the cleared sites were seized after the eviction.

DSCC administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam was present in person to inspect the drive and spoke to the media.

During the inspection, the administrator said roads and footpaths were being kept clean and free of encroachment as part of the city corporation's regular programme. Specific footpaths, night markets and holiday markets have been designated for hawkers, and they may sit only in those places, he said.

He said in particular that the entire road from Gulistan to Sadarghat would be kept completely clear and that hawkers would not be allowed to sit on the main road under any circumstances.

On warnings to hawkers, the administrator said warnings had been issued through various channels and meetings had also been held several times with leaders of hawker organisations. But because hawkers returned after eviction, there was now no option but to take strict legal action. Those who sit in defiance of the rules will have their goods seized and may be arrested if necessary, 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.

The corporation said the drive to keep footpaths free of encroachment, ensuring uninterrupted and safe movement for pedestrians, would continue. The administrator also said eviction and clearance would continue as an ongoing process.