Dhaka: Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan announced on Thursday that businesses will no longer be permitted on footpaths or roads to maintain them free from encroachment. However, alternative arrangements will be made for small and mobile traders.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the announcement was made during a dialogue session with small and mobile traders at Mukul Fouj Field in Mirpur. The session focused on clearing footpaths along the Mirpur-10 to Mirpur-1 roads. The administrator emphasized that while businesses will not be allowed on footpaths, alternative spaces will be arranged for traders.
Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan assured that the city corporation will adopt a humane approach in addressing traders’ issues, highlighting the importance of dialogue over forceful eviction. He stated, “We want people in our area to continue their livelihood through business.”
Traders at the meeting expressed their need for designated spaces and adequate time for relocatio
n, noting the potential impact on their families if evicted suddenly. The DNCC administrator promised a collaborative solution through dialogue, involving a five-member representative team for detailed discussions.
To prevent extortion, the DNCC plans to issue tokens to traders. “If anyone demands money after receiving a token, you do not pay and inform us-we are on your side,” Khan added. The session was attended by DNCC Chief Engineer Brigadier General Syed Rakibul Hasan, the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Mirpur Zone, and other local dignitaries.