Gulistan now free of Hawkers following DSCC eviction drive

The bustling Gulistan area in Dhaka is now largely free of street vendors following a recent eviction drive by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Footpaths and roads that were previously crowded with hawkers and mobile traders are now cleared, restoring pedestrian access and easing traffic congestion.

Officials said the operation, conducted over the past few days, was part of DSCC’s ongoing efforts to reclaim public spaces and improve urban mobility. “Our goal is to ensure that streets and footpaths are accessible to all citizens while balancing the livelihood concerns of small traders,” said a DSCC spokesperson.

Gulistan has long been a hub for informal trade, with hundreds of hawkers selling everything from vegetables and snacks to clothing and mobile accessories.

Over the years, the footpaths became overcrowded, creating traffic jams, obstructing pedestrians, and raising safety concerns.

Earlier this year, DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam announced that alternative arrangements would be made for small and mobile traders, including designated spaces outside the main thoroughfares. “We are not against business, but encroachment on public roads cannot continue. Traders will be relocated in a humane and organized manner,” he had said.

City residents have welcomed the eviction drive. “Walking in Gulistan has become easier, and traffic congestion has reduced significantly,” said a local commuter. Traders, however, expressed concerns about the adequacy and accessibility of the alternative spaces provided.

Authorities emphasised that continued monitoring will ensure that public spaces remain free of encroachment and that the relocation plan for traders is implemented effectively.