A coordinated special drive to free footpaths and roads from illegal encroachment has begun across the capital, led by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in collaboration with city corporations. The campaign, launched on Wednesday (April 1), is being carried out simultaneously in several key areas, including Gulshan, Dholai Khal, Maghbazar, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Mirpur and Uttara.
Authorities say the initiative aims to ensure smooth pedestrian movement, reduce artificial traffic congestion and restore order on public roads.
In Gulshan, officials carried out eviction drives against businesses illegally occupying footpaths. Around 50 shops were warned, while fines totaling Tk 27,000 were imposed for violations. Deputy Commissioner of Gulshan Traffic Division Mizanur Rahman said footpaths are meant for pedestrians, but many businesses have unlawfully taken over these spaces, creating inconvenience and safety risks. "We have taken a strict stance in the public interest. Such drives will continue regularly," he said.
Meanwhile, in Dholai Khal in Old Dhaka, a daylong operation led to the detention of 13 individuals for illegally occupying road space. A large volume of goods, machinery and materials left on roads by workshops and shops was seized and removed using police trucks. On-the-spot observations showed that vehicle repair garages, welding shops and other businesses had extended their operations onto the streets, severely disrupting both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
DMP Additional Commissioner Anisur Rahman, who was present during the drive, stressed that authorities are not against business activities but will not tolerate public inconvenience. "We are business-friendly, but not at the cost of public suffering. If laws are violated, strict action will follow," he said, adding that illegal truck parking or road occupation will be prosecuted using video evidence.
In another stretch from Maghbazar to Banglamotor, enforcement teams took action against illegally parked vehicles. Around 25 private cars and motorcycles were issued video cases. Additionally, a shop was fined Tk 5,000 for operating a cooking stove on a footpath, confirmed Judicial Magistrate Imran Ahmed.
Special Metropolitan Magistrate Md Al Faisal said the initial focus of the campaign is on awareness and voluntary compliance. "We are requesting traders to vacate illegal spaces on their own. Many have already complied. However, repeat violations will lead to fines, seizures and further legal action," he said, adding that authorities are also considering the livelihood concerns of small traders.
Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam noted that extending shops beyond legal boundaries onto footpaths or roads is unacceptable. "Such encroachment creates obstacles for pedestrians and worsens traffic congestion. We are enforcing the law strictly to address this," he said.
According to DMP Traffic Division Additional Commissioner Mo Anisur Rahman, the special campaign will continue from April 1 to April 5. A public notice had earlier been issued on March 23, urging business owners to remove illegal structures and materials voluntarily. Those who ignored the notice are now facing legal consequences, he added.
During the drives, many traders were seen removing their goods voluntarily after the campaign began. As a result, several roads and footpaths have already been partially cleared, improving traffic flow and pedestrian movement. However, in areas where compliance was lacking, authorities carried out forced evictions and seized goods.
Officials also highlighted plans to rehabilitate street vendors. The DMP indicated that designated "Holiday Markets" and "Night Markets" may soon be introduced, allowing vendors to operate at specific times and locations. The initiative is expected to strike a balance between protecting livelihoods and maintaining public order.
Residents in the affected areas welcomed the drive, saying illegal encroachment had long caused severe inconvenience and traffic congestion. They believe that if such enforcement continues consistently, it will significantly improve mobility and reduce daily suffering for commuters.
Authorities emphasized that restoring discipline in Dhaka's road and footpath management requires sustained efforts rather than a one-time campaign. With continued monitoring and strict enforcement, they hope to bring lasting improvements to urban mobility and public convenience in the capital.
