Dhaka’s sidewalks and major roads have been largely occupied by hawkers, extortion syndicates, and politically backed illegal shops, leaving little space for pedestrians and vehicles. The situation spans key areas including Motijheel, Gulistan, New Market, and Khilkhet, where footpaths and even half of main roads are filled with makeshift stalls. The resulting congestion has severely disrupted traffic and increased accident risks. Dhaka North and South City Corporations and the police remain at odds over responsibility for clearing the encroachments.
Investigations reveal that hawkers have increased across the city, with extortion networks collecting daily payments from vendors under political protection. Complaints have been filed alleging that organized groups linked to political figures control illegal businesses and collect large sums from shop owners. Attempts to remove encroachments have faced violent resistance, including attacks on city officials during eviction drives.
Urban planners and city officials acknowledge that sporadic eviction efforts have failed to bring lasting results. They emphasize the need for coordinated action between city corporations and police to restore pedestrian access and control illegal occupation of public spaces.
মাহমুদা ডলি প্রকাশ : ১৬ জানুয়ারি ২০২৬, ০৯: ৫৬ মাহমুদা ডলি রাজধানী ঢাকার ফুটপাত এখন আর পথচারীদের জন্য নয়; চলে গেছে হকার, চাঁদাবাজ সিন্ডিকেট আর রাজনৈতিক আশ্রয়ে গড়ে ওঠা অবৈধ দোকানের দখলে। ফুটপাতের পর একে একে দখল হয়ে যাচ্ছে প্রধান সড়কও। ফলে যান চলাচল মা
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