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The drive will continue from April 1 to April 5 at different locations and times, said Assistant Police Commissioner Arifa Akhter Preeti of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division.

Before the drive, DMP had asked traders to remove goods from footpaths and roads. During the operation, belongings of those who failed to comply were removed, and fines were imposed in some cases.

Talking to The Daily Star, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam said traffic congestion is not only a matter of signal management but also involves clearing encroached footpaths, managing intersections, and improving coordination.

“Traffic is a multi-dimensional issue. These factors are interconnected, and we are addressing them in a coordinated way,” he said.

He stressed the need to regulate street vendors, noting that unplanned occupation of roads and footpaths contributes significantly to congestion.

Describing the situation as unsustainable, Salam said Dhaka has nearly become paralysed due to congestion.

“This cannot continue. We must restore functionality to the city, and that requires cooperation from all stakeholders,” he said.

He added that locations for proposed vendor markets would be finalised in consultation with law enforcement.

“Vendors cannot occupy major streets where traffic pressure is highest. Instead, we will provide alternative spaces,” he added.

Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan said infrastructural and management issues, including illegal structures and poor U-turn systems, are contributing to congestion.

“We have discussed these issues with relevant agencies, and work is underway,” he said.