The plan was announced yesterday after hawkers clashed with the police and city corporation officials when the eviction drive started on Thursday.
DSCC Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon made the announcement after a closed door meeting with all the ward councillors at the city corporation's auditorium.
The mayor said: “We have planned to temporarily to shift them to the available space in the Mahanagar Natyamancha. The hawkers may set up temporary shops there.
“The shifting is temporary and they will be permanently relocated after permanent alternative arrangements have been made.”
He said the DSCC has extensively listed all the hawkers who operate in Gulistan, Purana Paltan and the Baitul Mokarram mosque area.
“The listed hawkers will be permitted to set shops at the market,” Mayor Khokon added.
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In reply to a query, the mayor said: “The city corporation spotted the Natyamancha as a possible solution as it has a lot of free space and is located nearby. It should accommodate all 2,500 hawkers to set up shop.
“We must take steps to free up the roads and footpaths to ease traffic and pedestrian movement,” he added.
Mayor Khokon said the shift will take place in public presence to ensure a smooth transition, unlike the Thursday scuffle.
Earlier on Thursday, hundreds of hawkers clashed with the police after a team of DSCC officials led by an executive magistrate tried to carry out an eviction drive against illegal establishments in the Gulistan area.
