Paltan-Gulistan-North South Road declared hawker-free

The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has declared the main road from Paltan intersection through Gulistan Zero Point to North South Road as hawker-free, warning of immediate legal action against anyone who violates the restriction.

DSCC Administrator Mohammad Abdus Salam inspected the road and footpath on Thursday (24 September) and directed that no hawkers be allowed to set up on the main road.

“Under no circumstances will hawkers be allowed on the main road from Paltan intersection through Gulistan Zero Point to North South Road. If anyone violates the restriction, immediate legal action will be taken,” he said.

“We have held several rounds of discussions with representatives of different hawker organisations. They have also pledged to voluntarily leave these main roads. With everyone’s cooperation, we want to restore comfort to city residents on the footpaths and roads,” he added.

Salam said only a limited number of registered hawkers would be allowed, in line with the rules, at designated spots on the eastern-side footpath beside Ramna Bhaban, while leaving space for pedestrians.

“There will be no scope for hawkers to occupy roads or footpaths indiscriminately outside the designated place, time, number, and registration requirements. No one will be given any concession if the rules are violated,” he said.

On the hawkers’ demand to reduce registration fees, Salam said the issue had already been brought to the attention of the relevant ministry.

“A decision will be taken later in line with the ministry’s instructions,” he said.

The DSCC administrator spent more than an hour supervising the eviction of hawkers and the removal of encroachments from the main road and footpath between Paltan intersection and Gulistan Zero Point.