Dhaka North to continue eviction drives to keep footpaths clear: Administrator

Dhaka North City Corporation will continue eviction drives against illegal occupants of footpaths across the capital to ensure smooth movement of pedestrians, said its Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan.

"Footpaths will be kept open for public use. If anyone occupies a footpath again after an eviction drive, stricter action will be taken," he said in a views exchange meeting with local residents during a visit to the Mirpur-10 area to inspect the site of yesterday's eviction drive.

Earlier, he visited the residence of journalist Sifat at West Shewrapara, who was injured during a clash at the time of yesterday's drive. 

The administrator inquired about his physical condition and expressed sympathy to him on behalf of the city corporation.

Later, the administrator visited the eviction site in Mirpur-10, where local residents came out on the streets and welcomed the city corporation's initiative.

They urged the administrator to continue the eviction drive and ensure that the Mirpur-10 area remains permanently free from illegal occupation.

Calling the attack on a journalist "extremely unfortunate," he said Dhaka North has always stood by the journalists and will continue to do so in the future.

He said the eviction drive against illegal occupation will never stop. However, specific and constructive suggestions regarding the eviction drive and the issue of street vendors would be considered, he said.

Regarding the rehabilitation of street vendors, the administrator said arrangements had been made to provide them with business opportunities at alternative locations after discussions with them and with their consent.

Under the arrangement, 204 registration cards were issued to enable the vendors. However, as they did not comply with the decision, they are again attempting to set up shops illegally at the same location, he said.

"Street vendors will certainly do business, but not by occupying footpaths meant for public movement and causing public suffering. They must run their businesses at the designated locations," the administrator said.

Responding to a question from the journalists, he said necessary measures would be taken in any area under the jurisdiction of the city corporation to ensure civic services and reduce public suffering in accordance with city corporation rules and laws.

"Operations will be conducted at any time to ensure the unhindered movement of citizens," he said, brushing aside the claim that his party leaders and activists are involved in such activities.

He said, considering the public interest and ethical considerations, every illegal structure would be removed from the areas under Dhaka North. Trees would be planted there to make the capital greener, cleaner and more orderly, he said.

The administrator called upon the local residents to cooperate with the members of the eviction team in carrying out the operation.