DHAKA, Apr 01 (V7N) — The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) initiated a coordinated special drive on Wednesday morning to reclaim sidewalks and roads from illegal encroachments. Led by Executive Magistrate Md. Al Faisal, the operation focused on the high-traffic Farmgate area, as well as key points in Moghbazar and Kakoli.

While the DMP has not yet adopted a "zero-tolerance" physical crackdown, the Magistrate warned that the current lenient phase is nearly over. "We are issuing notices and warnings today. If these orders are not obeyed, strict legal action and heavier fines will follow immediately," Al Faisal stated during the drive.

Scope of the Campaign

Members of the DMP, supported by local police units, targeted various types of unauthorized structures:

  • Permanent Encroachments: Several restaurants and shops that had extended their physical structures onto the public pavement were partially demolished or ordered to remove their frontage.

  • Temporary Establishments: Numerous "floating" tea stalls and makeshift vegetable vendors were cleared from the Farmgate intersection to ease pedestrian movement.

  • Moghbazar and Kakoli: On these arterial roads, temporary stalls were dismantled. Many vendors fled the scene upon spotting the police vans, though several who remained were slapped with on-the-spot fines for obstructing public thoroughfares.

The Encroachment Challenge

DMP officials emphasized that the campaign is part of a broader "regularized" effort to keep Dhaka’s sidewalks walkable. Over the past year, illegal occupation of pavements has led to increased traffic congestion as pedestrians are forced to walk on the main roads, particularly during peak hours.

"Our goal is to ensure that the city's residents can move safely. We will conduct these drives regularly until the sidewalks are permanently cleared," a senior DMP official noted.

Evicted Traders Demand Rehabilitation

The drive has left hundreds of small-scale traders in a state of uncertainty. Many of those evicted at Farmgate argued that they have no other means of livelihood.

  • Livelihood vs. Law: "We sit here because we have no other place to go. If they kick us out without giving us an alternative, how will our families eat?" asked one tea stall owner whose shop was removed.

  • Call for Policy: The evicted traders are collectively demanding a government-led rehabilitation program or designated "vending zones" where they can operate legally without obstructing traffic.

Legal Context

Under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, the police have the authority to remove any obstructions on public roads. However, city experts suggest that without a comprehensive urban policy that balances pedestrian rights with the needs of the informal economy, these "eviction-and-return" cycles are likely to continue.

The DMP has confirmed that the monitoring will continue throughout the week, with more areas in South Dhaka expected to face similar drives starting Thursday.

END/SMA/AJ