DSCC declares Paltan-North South Road hawker-free

The road from Paltan intersection through Gulistan Zero Point to North South Road has been declared hawker-free, according to Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

DSCC Administrator and valiant freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam inspected the area on Thursday morning and supervised the removal of encroachments from the main road and footpaths.

During the inspection, he said hawkers would not be allowed on the main road under any circumstances. Legal action would be taken immediately against anyone violating the restriction, he added.

Abdus Salam said the DSCC had held several rounds of discussions with representatives of different hawker organisations, who had pledged to voluntarily vacate the main roads.

“With a collective effort, we want to restore comfort and convenience for city dwellers on footpaths and roads,” he said.

He said a limited number of registered hawkers would be allowed to operate only at designated locations on the eastern-side footpath adjacent to Ramna Bhaban. They would have to follow the prescribed rules while ensuring adequate space for pedestrians.

The administrator warned that no hawkers would be allowed to operate outside the designated locations and hours or exceed the permitted number and registration requirements in a way that causes public inconvenience.

Regarding the hawkers’ demand to reduce registration fees, he said the matter had already been brought to the attention of the concerned ministry. A decision would be taken in line with the ministry’s directives, he added.

Abdus Salam remained at the site for more than an hour during the inspection and supervised activities to clear encroachments from the main road and footpaths between Paltan intersection and Gulistan Zero Point.

DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Khaybar Rahman, Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, other senior officials and representatives of hawker organisations were present.