The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has launched a five-day coordinated drive from 1 to 5 April to clear footpaths and roads across the capital, urging traders and shop owners to remove their belongings in advance.
Assistant Commissioner (Media) Arifa Jahan Prreti said the drive will be conducted across the city’s eight divisions, with special and executive magistrates working alongside traffic officials to carry out drives at at least 50 locations today (1 April).
“The DMP will go on a special drive in eight divisions of the city, and on Wednesday (1 April) special and executive magistrates in cooperation with traffic officials will carry out drives in at least fifty places to make Dhaka’s footpaths commuter-friendly,” she said, adding that violators will face fines, jail terms, and confiscation of goods placed on footpaths and roads.
According to a notice issued on 23 March, many businesses continue to encroach on footpaths and roads in various neighbourhoods.
These include restaurants, showrooms, workshops and street vendors placing goods, grills, ovens, chairs and makeshift platforms on walkways and roads.
Such illegal occupation forces pedestrians onto the streets, causing public suffering and contributing to traffic congestion.
To ensure smoother movement for city residents, all business establishments have been instructed to immediately remove any items placed on footpaths and roads.
The notice warned that legal action will be taken against those who continue such practices despite the directive.
From today (1 April), mobile courts and enforcement teams from the DMP will conduct joint drives to remove illegal structures, with offenders facing action under mobile court laws.
The DMP has also sought cooperation from all concerned.
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