‘Don’t ask questions that encourage illegal occupation’: Dhaka South administrator to media

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam today (30 October) said hawkers will not be allowed to occupy roads and footpaths under any circumstances, regardless of the arguments or excuses put forward in favour of illegal occupation.

He made the remarks while participating in two eviction drives conducted from Gulistan Zero Point to Dhaka Trade Centre at 11:00am and 3:30pm.

During the drives, illegal shops set up by occupying roads and footpaths were evicted and their goods seized. As a result, the entire road and footpath stretching from Zero Point to Dhaka Trade Centre were cleared of illegal occupation.

Facing questions from journalists during the operation, the administrator was asked why hawkers end up returning to the same places despite repeated eviction drives.

In response, he said, “Whenever roads and footpaths are illegally occupied, we will conduct eviction drives in the interest of city dwellers. We have already taken all possible measures, including repeated discussions, requests and warnings. From now on, if anyone sets up shop illegally, their goods will be seized and, if necessary, legal action will be taken, and they will be arrested.”

Responding to allegations that hawkers were being evicted without rehabilitation, Salam urged media professionals not to ask questions that could encourage illegal occupants.

“I request the media not to ask questions that encourage illegal occupiers. Please help shape public opinion in line with what the people of Dhaka want and what ordinary people across the country demand,” he said.

He added that the city corporation could not take responsibility for all displaced people from across the country.

“A limited number of hawkers may be allowed to operate at designated places without obstructing public movement, but the rest will have to return to their respective districts. We must save this Dhaka, and there is no alternative to it,” he said.

During the eviction drives, many pedestrians expressed their satisfaction and enthusiasm, thanking the administrator and urging the authorities to continue such operations.