Dhaka South to consider 8 night markets, rules out abrupt hawker eviction

There are plans to introduce eight night markets in Dhaka to free footpaths from hawkers, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam said yesterday. 

“Hawkers and autorickshaws cannot be removed abruptly from footpaths, and alternative arrangements must be ensured for them,” he said at a press conference at Nagar Bhaban in the capital.

He also outlined various plans to address waterlogging, traffic congestion and mosquito control in the southern part of the city.

Speaking about autorickshaws and rickshaws, Abdus Salam said discussions have already been held on regulating all types of rickshaws, including mechanised ones.

“Authorities are working to gradually bring them under a system,” he said.

“Similarly, hawkers occupying various footpaths and roads in Dhaka will also be brought under a system,” he added. 

The administrator said the prime minister does not favour abrupt eviction and stressed the need for alternative arrangements.

“To that end, we are considering setting up eight night markets in Dhaka,” he said, adding that vendors would be allowed to operate there after office hours, from the afternoon until before midnight, so that hawkers do not occupy spaces throughout the day.

Responding to a question on whether mosquito control efforts have been fully successful, he said complete eradication is not possible, but control is.

“We cannot take many steps regarding the use of mosquito control chemicals without consulting entomologists and environmental experts,” he said. 

Speaking about the diesel shortage for mosquito control, he said, “I have already spoken with the power and energy minister, and immediate steps were taken. The issue has now been resolved.”

The administrator said some drug users steal manhole covers in different areas and sell them for money.

“To prevent this, we are replacing iron manhole covers with fibre ones so they cannot be removed. Once complaints are received, we take steps to replace the stolen covers,” he said.

Speaking further on autorickshaws, he said discussions have already been held with traffic authorities, where the prime minister was also present.

“He has repeatedly stressed the need to resolve the issue quickly. This cannot be addressed by eviction alone; it has to be brought under a system through a process. We are working on how to do this, and you will see progress within a short time,” he said.