Our country has been plagued with a number of long-term illegal practices, which have become progressively bigger problems for the masses over the years.
One such phenomenon has been the unauthorized establishment of basement markets in the capital, which is in violation of too many structural codes in place.
While this has been a persistent malpractice since time immemorial, only recently have the authorities begun initiatives to dismantle an illegal system that has unfortunately become the norm.
It is encouraging, therefore, that the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has decided to organize drives to identify buildings with unlawfully run basement markets, and have declared their plans to take necessary action against those responsible.
These structures are not only illegal, but also have facilitated a culture of misconduct on the parts of the market owners as well as building authorities.
What is even more worrisome is that the buildings in question are, more often than not, not constructed in line with safety code to begin with -- making the basement markets even more of a threat to the public.
With these drives being carried out, we can hope that the perpetrators of these practices will be identified and held accountable for skirting the law, and that it will discourage further involvement in such wrongful means.
However, it's important to remember that these vendors depend on these markets for their livelihoods, and while their means violate the law, we must also be dedicated towards finding legal and sustainable alternatives for them to conduct their businesses moving forward.
As long as we address and resolve the very reasons why these kinds of illicit practices have become so commonplace, we might be able to ensure true reform to our system in coming years.