Eviction drive against hawkers to begin on April 13

To reduce traffic congestion and address the street vendor issue in Narayanganj city, the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) will launch an eviction drive starting April 13.

NCC Administrator Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan made this announcement during a meeting with business leaders at the NCC building on Wednesday.

He said the drive is part of a long-term plan to ease traffic congestion and free sidewalks from illegal occupation. The campaign will begin from the Chashara Shaheed Minar area and continue in phases. The administrator noted that in the past, lack of coordination prevented lasting solutions.

This time, the initiative will be implemented through coordinated efforts among the city corporation, district administration, law enforcement agencies, and public representatives.

Regarding street vendors, he said genuine vendors will be rehabilitated in designated areas. However, important roads especially BB Road will remain completely vendor-free.

To reduce traffic congestion, new measures will also be introduced to control auto-rickshaws. Separate colored digital number plates will be introduced for vehicles operating inside the city, and restrictions will be imposed on the entry of auto-rickshaws and CNGs into the city.

Sakhawat also said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured support in solving various city problems. He emphasized that cooperation from business organizations is essential to resolve traffic congestion and the street vendor issue.

Members of Parliament, the city corporation, district administration, police, and RAB are all working together on this matter.

He added that in the past, conflicts between MPs and mayors hindered progress, but this time a coordinated effort will ensure effective action.

Speaking about the eviction drive, he said “From April 13 (Monday), the operation will begin at the Chashara Shaheed Minar premises. This is not a one-day campaign; it will continue regularly.”

He urged everyone to rise above political and personal interests and support the initiative for the greater good of city residents.

Around 100 city corporation staff, along with police, will be involved in the operation. He noted that not all vendors are local and reiterated that genuine vendors will be rehabilitated, but no vendors will be allowed on BB Road.

He also issued a strong warning regarding development projects, stating that contractors who fail to complete work on time will be blacklisted.