Dhaka: The High Court (HC) today issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the decision to allocate space on streets and footpaths for hawkers should not be declared illegal. A High Court bench led by Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty passed the order after holding a hearing on a writ petition filed in this connection.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the court in the ruling asked the LGRD secretary, law secretary, and administrators of the two city corporations in Dhaka to reply to its order. This development comes after growing concerns about the allocation of public spaces, which are intended for pedestrian use, being compromised by the presence of hawkers.
The decision to allocate these spaces has sparked debate among city residents and stakeholders. Many argue that such allocations hinder pedestrian movement and contribute to congestion in already crowded areas. The court’s ruling seeks to address these concerns by requiring the relevant authorities to justify their decision and demonstrate that it aligns with legal standards and public interest.
The authorities are now tasked with providing a satisfactory explanation to the court, which will ultimately determine the legality of the current allocation system. This ruling could have significant implications for city management and the regulation of street vendors in Dhaka.