Bangla Press Desk: Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) administrator Md Abdus Salam has said that no hawkers will be allowed to occupy footpaths or roads in the capital.
He also said that shops would not be allowed to conduct business illegally using footpaths within the jurisdiction of DSCC.
"The problems involving hawkers, rickshaws and floating people were particularly acute in south Dhaka. The city corporation (DSCC) is trying to address them one by one. As part of this effort, drives are being conducted to keep footpaths and roads free from encroachment," he told the media during a press briefing on Thursday while overseeing an eviction drive in front of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) office in Segunbagicha in the city.
Mr Md Abdus Salam, a hero freedom fighter, also said that regular monitoring, including surprise eviction drives in different parts of the capital would continue in the days to come aiming to prevent illegal occupation.
He said that the main objective of the drive would make people understand that action would be taken according to the law if it is violated.
"The purpose of today's (Thursday's) drive is/ was not to take action or impose fines on anyone, but to raise public awareness and violations of that would result in legal action," he continued.
"We also want people in other areas to become aware after seeing the drive," he maintained.
The DSCC administrator further said keeping roads and footpaths clean and accessible was not solely the responsibility of the city corporation.
He said that city dwellers also need to be aware.
He said that people had repeatedly been urged to become more conscious about keeping roads and footpaths clean and accessible.
"No hawkers will be allowed on roads under any circumstances. Where there is no permission from the city corporation, hawkers will not be allowed to set up on footpaths either," he vowed. He said that stricter monitoring would be maintained against illegal occupation.
