Dhaka, May 19 (V7N) — The High Court has issued a rule questioning why the allocation of spaces on streets and sidewalks for hawkers in the capital should not be declared illegal.
A bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice Abdur Rahman issued the order on Tuesday (May 19) morning.
The court directed the concerned authorities, including the Local Government Division Secretary, Law Secretary, and administrators of both city corporations of Dhaka, to respond to the rule.
The order came after a writ petition challenged provisions of the proposed “Dhaka Hawker Management Policy-2026,” which allows designated allocation of sidewalk space for street vendors.
The petitioner, Advocate Md. Shoaibuzzaman, argued that the policy violates constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 21 and 36, which guarantee fundamental rights and the right to free movement of citizens.
According to the writ, allocating sidewalks to hawkers may obstruct pedestrian movement and infringe on public access to streets, raising legal and constitutional concerns.
The High Court will review responses from the authorities before taking further steps in the case.
END/SMA/AJ
