Hundreds of shops on the sidewalks of Dhaka’s Farmgate area have been demolished in a joint operation by the authorities, leading to a protest by hawkers.
On Tuesday at around 12pm, a joint team consisting of police, army, RAB, and city corporation officials conducted the eviction drive in the area.
The operation extended from Green Road to Khamarbari, clearing hundreds of makeshift shops that occupied sidewalks and roads.
During a visit, it was observed that many police, army, and RAB personnel started the eviction in front of Green Super Market at Farmgate around midday.
The operation, which lasted for about four hours, removed nearly a thousand illegal shops from areas including Ananda Cinema Hall, Farmgate Super Market, in front of Tejgaon College, and Khamarbari.
Around 3pm, hundreds of hawkers staged a protest rally against the eviction.
During the rally, the hawkers blocked the road at the Khamarbari intersection and were seen attacking a few vehicles.
They later continued their march to Tejgaon College and protested for about half an hour before heading to Ananda Cinema Hall, where they continued demonstrating.
Md Sirajul Islam, a hawker, said: “We run shops on the streets to survive. If we are removed, where will we go? How will we feed our families?”
Md Shafik, another hawker, accused authorities of extortion, saying: “Previously, the police and others would collect extortion from each shop in Farmgate, and there were no issues. Now, when no one is collecting bribes, we are being evicted. Is this a sign that they want to resume extortion? We will not allow this. If they push us to the limit, we will launch a tougher movement.”
Regarding the eviction, DMP Tejgaon Division Deputy Police Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Ruhul Kabir Khan said: “Farmgate is a very busy area in the city where thousands of people commute daily. The occupation of sidewalks and roads caused inconvenience to the public and increased criminal activities. That’s why the sidewalks in Farmgate were cleared.”
He further said: “Announcements were made on Monday regarding the eviction, and they were asked to vacate. However, they did not remove their shops. Therefore, a joint operation was conducted today by police, army, RAB, and city corporation officials to free the sidewalks and roads.”
A team from the Tejgaon temporary military camp, led by Captain Abrar, participated in the operation.
He said: “The operation was part of a joint effort, and prior announcements were made. This drive will continue in the interest of public safety.”
Tejgaon Division Additional Deputy Police Mohammad Ziaul Haque said: “The unauthorized shops on sidewalks and roads create significant inconvenience for the public and contribute to an increase in thefts and muggings. Therefore, no hawkers will be allowed on the sidewalks or roads in Farmgate as part of the ongoing joint operation.”
