Dhaka: Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator and valiant freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam today announced a registration system to organize hawker businesses on footpaths and roads in the capital, aiming to operate them at designated places and times. The initiative is part of the proposed Hawker Management Policy, which seeks to ensure employment for hawkers while maintaining normal pedestrian and vehicular movement, restoring road discipline, and fostering a safe, pedestrian-friendly, and hygienic city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during an exchange meeting with hawker representatives at Nagar Bhaban, Salam elaborated on the registration system. Registered hawkers will receive certificates specifying their business category, designated zone or location, stall size, operating hours, and monthly fee. These measures are intended to prevent unauthorized occupation of designated places and extortion demands.
Salam outlined a one-time registration fee of Taka 5,000, an annual renewal fee of Taka 2,500, and a monthly fee of Taka 3,000 per hawker for city corporation space utilization, cleanliness, and management. Each registered hawker will be issued a smart card or license with a barcode and QR code for verification, ensuring the license's non-transferability. The policy proposes one license per family.
The administrator also highlighted plans for 'holiday markets' on weekly and government holidays and 'night markets' after office hours in commercial and densely populated areas. He warned of potential actions against unlicensed hawkers.
Hawker representatives have requested lower registration and monthly fees, rehabilitation, organizational representation, and measures addressing narrow footpaths.