During the drive, counter owners were given 30 minutes to vacate.
Dhaka South City Corporation demolishing illegal bus counter in Sayedabad. Photo: TBS
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Dhaka South City Corporation demolishing illegal bus counter in Sayedabad. Photo: TBS
The Dhaka South City Corporation has conducted a mobile court drive to remove unauthorised bus counters in the Sayedabad Inter-district vus terminal area.
The drive began today (8 April) around 12:30pm, led by Dhaka South City Corporation Executive Magistrate Aminul Islam.
During the drive, counter owners were given 30 minutes to vacate. Many counter owners quickly closed their shops and shifted their goods.
Several shops were sealed during the drive, while billboards were demolished.
According to city corporation sources, the illegal counters had long occupied roads and footpaths in Sayedabad, disrupting pedestrian movement, prompting the eviction drive to restore order.
However, counter owners expressed their dissatisfaction over the move. Hanif Enterprise General Manager Mahbub Alam said while they would operate from designated areas, those locations lack adequate space and necessary facilities.
He further said that neither the city corporation nor any other authority has addressed these issues.
Dhaka South City Corporation Executive Magistrate Aminul Islam briefing reporters during the drive. Photo: TBS
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Dhaka South City Corporation Executive Magistrate Aminul Islam briefing reporters during the drive. Photo: TBS
Briefing reporters, Executive Magistrate Aminul Islam said the eviction operation began from the Golapbagh area.
He said the goal is to bring discipline to passenger transport and bus management, similar to airports. Anyone can buy tickets online, but to board the bus, they must come to the designated terminal.
Regarding the unauthorised counters along the road, he stated, “We issued a notice on the 29th of last month, clearly giving them seven days to remove these structures on their own. Since they did not take action within the stipulated time, we are evicting and sealing them today.”
He added that there are approximately 240 illegal counters, both large and small. “We are trying to evict as many as possible today, and the rest will be cleared in phases. From now on, major terminals like Gabtoli, Sayedabad, or Mohakhali will be the main hubs for buses. Buses will depart and conclude their journeys there. This operation will continue in public interest and to alleviate traffic congestion in the city,” he said.
