S A Shofiee, Sylhet:
Sylhet is full of hills, hills, waterfalls, haors and abundance of greenery. All the beautiful tourist centers are spread in Sylhet, which is in the northeastern part of the country. Rocky rivers, forests, tea gardens, surrounded by green hills. Tourists and travel enthusiasts come to see the diverse beauty. The familiar image of Sylhet city, known as the daughter of nature, has changed. Sylhet city, sparkling in the night light, seems to have started a new chapter. The tourist city of Sylhet is moving towards a clean, orderly and modern city. In particular, the coordinated efforts of the three administrative heads of Sylhet have been able to restore the order and beauty of Sylhet city to a great extent. This initiative of the administration has already been highly appreciated by the people of Sylhet.
On Sunday (October 19) night, a site visit revealed a different Sylhet—hawker-free,
Rows of auto-rickshaws, brightly lit shops, and pedestrians walking fearlessly on the city streets. Where once there was no place to stand, people now walk without hindrance. Shopkeepers, buyers, and vehicles all seem to be enjoying this new hawker-free environment.
The city’s appearance has changed since the eviction of hawkers from the city’s main roads on the orders of the Sylhet City Corporation. Traffic congestion has decreased a lot, and pedestrians have returned to the control of the sidewalks. The common people have welcomed this step to beautify the city and bring order.
A local businessman said that after being hawker-free, buyers can easily come in front of the shops. The city also looks much cleaner now.
On Sunday (October 19) evening, three important administrative officials of Sylhet, Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Md. Sarwar Alam, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Abdul Quddus Chowdhury (PPM) and Sylhet City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Reza-e Rafin Sarkar, went together to inspect the busy areas of the city—from Zindabazar to Madhuban Super Market. This was the first joint field observation after the recent eviction of hawkers from the city’s sidewalks and highways. Their presence was to see firsthand the issue of the relocation of hawkers after the operation.
After the inspection, Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam said, “Today, hawkers did not sit on the sidewalk or highway. They are following our instructions, for which I thank them. Besides, I thank Sylhet City Corporation, because they have prepared a temporary hawkers’ market on the other side of Laldighir.”
He further said, “The police administration has also cooperated in the campaign to free the footpaths from traders. I request the city residents to shop from the Hawkers Market at Laldighir. This will maintain order in the city.”
At that time, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury PPM said, “After the eviction of the hawkers, it will be ensured that CNG-powered autorickshaws or Lagunas do not occupy the highway and footpaths again. We are keeping an eye on the eviction of illegal stands and parking problems. Although a sudden change is not possible, we will implement it gradually.”
He further said, “If parking arrangements had been made during the construction of the markets and shopping malls, this problem would not have arisen today. However, if we all obey the law, it will be possible to live peacefully in this city.”
