Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) yesterday evicted around 400 makeshift shops set up on roads and footpaths in the capital’s Gulistan area.
The drive was conducted in areas near Baitul Mukarram mosque, Bangabandhu National Stadium, Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium, Kaptan Bazar, Awami League’s office in Bangabandhu Avenue and Gulistan intersection.
DSCC Executive Magistrate Mamunur Rashid told the Dhaka Tribune the stalls were evicted as part of a special drive against illegal occupation of roads.
He said the roads would be observed regularly to prevent traders from setting up shops again after a few days.
The drive will be carried out today as well.
On May 28, after a meeting with two mayors and officials of Dhaka’s two city corporations, and Narayanganj mayor, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said eviction drives would be conducted in all areas under the jurisdiction of both city corporations.
He said illegal billboards would also be removed from the capital.
Dhaka North City Corporation will start a similar drive from Farmgate area on June 12.
Sources said Minister Quader would sit with officials of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha, Local Government Division, Local Government Engineering Department, Roads and Highways Department, and Bangladesh Railway to discuss steps for recovering government lands from the clutches of illegal occupiers. The meeting is likely to be held on June 15.
A Dhaka North City Corporation press release said its mayor Annisul Huq would visit Wards 9 and 11 to exchange views with locals and inform them of the city corporation’s services such as mosquito control, waste management and road and drainage maintenance.
