Shops without trade licences to be sealed: Dhaka South administrator

Any shop operating without a trade licence in Dhaka South City Corporation-owned markets will be sealed immediately, DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam has warned.

He said no illegal shops or establishments would be allowed in markets owned by the city corporation.

He made the remarks at a meeting with leaders of market committees of DSCC-owned markets at Nagar Bhaban today (9 June), where issues including power saving, waste management, dengue control and trade licences were discussed.

Speaking at the meeting, Abdus Salam said, “Dhaka South City Corporation, as a public service institution, is working to ensure uninterrupted road construction, drainage development, mosquito control and waste management. However, in view of the growing demand for civic services, increasing revenue collection is very important to keep development activities moving.”

“The city corporation is run with the taxes and rent paid by citizens. Due to a revenue shortfall, service activities are coming under pressure, so businessmen must come forward to pay taxes and rent regularly,” he added.

On irregularities and the removal of illegal structures, the administrator said, “We want to resolve various irregularities and complications that have continued for 15-20 years through discussion. You follow the rules and cooperate, and the city corporation will also provide necessary support.”

“We want to create an environment where you can conduct business legally and the corporation can also receive its due revenue. Doing business by paying money to someone does not make it legal; the city corporation’s rules must be followed for legality,” he said.

At the meeting, a special announcement was made to achieve the revenue collection target set for the 2025-26 fiscal year and to encourage taxpayers to pay outstanding municipal taxes.

Under the initiative, the imposed 15% surcharge will be fully waived if outstanding municipal taxes are paid by 30 June. Taxpayers will be able to clear their dues without an additional financial burden by taking this opportunity.