Half a hundred flower shops evicted in Shahbagh

Shahbagh area witnessed an eviction drive as the Dhaka South City Corporation removed around 50 flower shops that had been occupying roads and footpaths on Thursday.

The shops had been set up along the stretch from Shishu Park to Shahbagh Police Station, encroaching on public walkways. During the operation, a mobile court accompanied by bulldozers demolished the structures, reports media.

Officials said the encroachments had been repeatedly cleared in the past, but the shops re-emerged after a short period. Allegations have also been raised that some traders operated with the support of ruling party activists and police personnel, paying informal fees to continue their businesses.

The DSCC said the drive was launched to free footpaths and public spaces, particularly around Shishu Park, to ease pedestrian movement, and that the eviction campaign would continue.

Flower vendors, however, said they had been instructed earlier not to resume business after Pohela Boishakh, but were forced to stay as they have no alternative designated market space.

One vendor, Monowara Begum, alleged that despite repeated appeals to the city corporation to establish a dedicated flower market, no action had been taken, with only verbal assurances given in the past.

Vendors continue to demand a permanent, designated market for flower trading.