No Hawkers on Roads or Footpaths Under Any Circumstances: DSCC Administrator
The administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam, has taken a firm stance against hawkers illegally occupying roads and footpaths. He said that whatever arguments or excuses are offered in favour of illegal footpath occupation, hawkers will not be allowed to sit on roads and footpaths under any circumstances.
He made the remarks on Thursday (29 October) while taking part in an eviction drive carried out in two phases from Gulistan Zero Point to Dhaka Trade Centre in the capital. During the drive, illegal shops set up by occupying the main road and footpaths were removed and goods were seized. The entire stretch of road and footpath from Gulistan Zero Point to Dhaka Trade Centre was cleared of occupation through the operation.
Asked by journalists how hawkers keep returning despite repeated eviction drives, Abdus Salam said a drive would be carried out in the interest of city residents every time roads and footpaths are illegally occupied. He said all kinds of steps, including repeated discussions, requests and warnings, have been taken. From now on, he said, goods will be seized if hawkers sit illegally, and legal action and arrests will follow where necessary.
On the allegation that hawkers are being evicted without rehabilitation, Abdus Salam requested the media not to ask questions that might encourage illegal occupiers. He called for public opinion to be shaped according to what Dhaka's citizens want and what the general people of the country demand. He also said Dhaka South City Corporation cannot take responsibility for displaced people from across the whole country.
The DSCC administrator further said that a fixed number of hawkers could be allowed to sit at designated places without obstructing public movement, while the rest would have to return to their own districts.
"We have to save this Dhaka; there is no alternative," he said.
