Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched an eviction drive to clear roads and footpaths of hawkers and encroachers between Paltan and Gulistan.
The drive began around 11:30am on Thursday, with DSCC Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam inspecting the main road after it was cleared of hawkers.
During the inspection, he said hawkers would not be allowed on the main road from Paltan intersection through Gulistan Zero Point to North South Road.
“Anyone who violates the ban will face immediate legal action,” he said.
The DSCC administrator said the authorities had held several meetings with representatives of hawker organisations, who had also pledged to voluntarily leave the main roads.
“We want to restore comfort to city residents on the roads and footpaths with everyone’s cooperation,” he said.
He said a limited number of registered hawkers would be allowed to operate only at designated spots on the eastern side of the footpath adjacent to Ramna Bhaban, while keeping space clear for pedestrians.
He warned that hawkers would not be allowed to operate outside the designated locations, times or approved numbers, or without registration.
“No one will be given any concession for violating the rules,” he said.
On demands to reduce hawker registration fees, Abdus Salam said the matter had already been brought to the attention of the relevant ministry and a decision would be made in line with its directives.
The DSCC administrator spent more than an hour overseeing the clearance operation from Paltan intersection to Gulistan Zero Point.