Dhaka's two city corporations-DNCC and DSCC- have pledged strict enforcement against hawkers occupying footpaths and major roads after Eid-ul-Azha, as authorities move to curb congestion and restore pedestrian access in the capital.
Authorities of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) expressed the concern that informal hawking and illegal occupation of sidewalks might increase once normal post-Eid activities resume in the capital. Both city corporations have made advance preparations to address the situation.
DNCC and DSCC Officials said footpaths are strictly for pedestrian use and cannot be used as commercial spaces under any circumstances.
DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Alam Milton told The Daily Observer maintaining free pedestrian movement after Eid is essential. "If anyone violates the restriction and sets up hawkers on footpaths, immediate eviction drives will be conducted, and legal action will be taken if necessary," he added.
A DSCC's senior official, requesting anonymity, said after the Eid holidays, when offices and institutions reopen, pressure on roads and sidewalks in the capital increases significantly. If footpaths are occupied during this period, traffic congestion and public suffering will worsen, the official added.
Another DSCC official said the corporation is working on rehabilitation plans and designated vending zones for hawkers. However, strict action will be taken if anyone operates outside approved areas, he added.
On-ground observations show that hawker activities have already increased in several parts of the capital ahead of Eid. Temporary shops have been set up around markets and bus stops, often obstructing pedestrian movement and contributing to traffic congestion.
Pedestrians say the situation makes walking extremely difficult. An office commuter, Mahmud, said: "There is no space to walk on footpaths, so we are forced to walk on roads, which increases the risk of accidents. If hawkers increase again after Eid, the suffering will worsen."
Urban planner Dr Adilur Rahman believes long-term solutions require more than eviction drives. He argues that sustainable relocation and rehabilitation of hawkers are necessary; otherwise, the same problem will recur every year after Eid and other major festivals.
According to the DNCC and DSCC sources, joint mobile court operations, eviction drives, and regular monitoring will be intensified after Eid. Law enforcement agencies will also be involved to strengthen surveillance on major roads and footpaths.
A city official said: "We do not want to harm anyone's livelihood, but we have to take strict measures to protect urban order and public interest. No violation will be tolerated."
In the mean time, a section of hawkers say sudden eviction without rehabilitation can threaten their livelihoods, and they demanded a long-term, negotiated solution with the city corporations.
In fact, the city authorities are taking a tougher stance on footpath management after Eid, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and public suffering while improving pedestrian mobility in the capital.
