DMP's drive to clear footpaths in capital

To reduce public suffering and ensure pedestrian movement, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has started a special eviction drive from Wednesday (April 1). The main goal of the drive is to evict illegal restaurants, workshops and permanent establishments that have been built by occupying parts of the footpaths and roads.

The DMP's Traffic Division said in a press release, that the drive will start from Ramna division among the eight traffic divisions of the metropolis and will end in Gulshan division on Tuesday (March 31). In this drive led by a magistrate, action will be taken against those who operate shops illegally on the side of the road. The Traffic Division said that this strict step has been taken to resolve the severe traffic congestion caused by the encroachment of some influential businessmen.

Additional Police Commissioner of the DMP's Traffic Division Md. Anisur Rahman said that the drive is not against ordinary hawkers. Action is being taken against those who have occupied the public road by building restaurant kitchens or permanent establishments on the road. He said that businesses operating on sidewalks outside the legal limits will be evicted. He also said that there are plans to soon launch 'holiday markets' and 'night markets' in areas designated for hawkers.