STAFF CORRESPONDENT

To make the city’s footpaths more pedestrian-friendly, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) yesterday launched eviction drives in several areas, including Farmgate, Kakoli, Gulshan, Jatrabari and Indira Road.

Mobile courts cleared sidewalks by removing illegal shops and belongings of traders and shop owners.

During the operation, law enforcers and mobile courts led by Dhaka North City Corporation magistrates removed numerous makeshift shops occupying footpaths. In some cases, goods were confiscated, while in others, vendors were warned and asked to vacate voluntarily.

The drive, which began in the morning yesterday, will continue, a DMP official said.

Speaking after the operation in Farmgate, Executive Magistrate Md Faisal said authorities had considered vendors’ livelihoods and mainly tried to persuade them to relocate.

“We have asked them to vacate the footpaths. However, if they return, strict action will be taken,” he said, adding that regular monitoring will be carried out to prevent reoccupation.

Earlier, at a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on March 24 titled “Reducing Traffic Congestion in Dhaka City and Modernizing Traffic Management,” Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed authorities to deliver visible improvements within one month.

On March 23, DMP announced a coordinated citywide drive from April 1 and urged traders to remove their belongings in advance. A public notice warned that violators could face fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of goods.

According to the notice, many businesses -- including restaurants, showrooms, workshops, and street vendors -- continue to occupy footpaths with grills, ovens, chairs, and makeshift platforms, forcing pedestrians onto roads and worsening traffic congestion.

In Kakoli, mobile courts removed banners, digital signboards, and illegal shop extensions from sidewalks.

According to UNB, the drive was conducted simultaneously from 10:00am in multiple areas, including Moghbazar rail crossing to Banglamotor, Phulbaria Bus Stand–Bakshibazar to Chankharpool, and Nightingale Intersection to Arambagh.

Other areas included Dholaipar to Jatrabari, Faruk Sarani, Indira Road, Green Road, Ananda Cinema Hall, Bashundhara, Karwan Bazar, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Taltala, Bhashantek, Mirpur-14, and from BNS Centre to House Building North Tower and Kakoli outgoing.

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