DSCC to launch fresh eviction drive in New Market next week

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam has said the city corporation will launch a fresh eviction drive in the New Market area next week to clear roads and footpaths of illegal shops.

He warned that street hawking would not be allowed under any circumstances, adding that the authorities would no longer issue warnings and would directly file cases and seize goods against those setting up illegal shops on roads and footpaths.

He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as the chief guest at a special mosquito-control and cleanliness drive organised by the DSCC as part of its weekly ‘Cleaning Day’ programme.

The programme was conducted simultaneously across all 75 wards of the city corporation.

Salam said illegal hawkers and makeshift shops were largely responsible for traffic congestion, indiscriminate waste disposal and obstruction of pedestrian movement.

“Residents of Dhaka, as well as the city corporation, want relief from this suffering. There is no scope for occupying roads and footpaths in the name of humanitarian considerations,” he said.

He warned that goods would be seized and legal action taken against anyone setting up shops in violation of DSCC rules.

Highlighting the importance of cleanliness in preventing dengue and protecting the environment, the DSCC administrator said stagnant water should not be allowed to remain anywhere for more than three days.

He added that cleanliness campaigns, awareness rallies and publicity activities would continue to protect the capital’s environment, control air pollution and ease traffic congestion.

Regarding the relocation of a secondary transfer station (STS) from in front of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office in Malibagh, Salam said it had been moved at the request of the CID authorities in the public interest, making room for parking.

Construction of a new STS to manage waste in the area was underway and was expected to be completed by the end of October, he added.

The Cleaning Day campaign began in front of the CID office and proceeded through Shantinagar, Kakrail and Nayapaltan before ending in Fakirapul.

During the drive, Salam inspected waste clearance operations and the removal of illegal shops along the route.

Regular city corporation cleaning and mosquito-control workers took part in the daylong programme alongside local residents. Loudspeaker announcements and awareness rallies were also held across the wards to encourage public participation in maintaining cleanliness.