Desk Report:
The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has adopted a firm stance to dismantle the long-standing cycle of illegal trade and extortion involving the encroachment of the capital’s footpaths. In addition to conducting ongoing drives to evict illegal structures and hawkers obstructing pedestrian movement, the agency has announced plans to take legal action against the influential figures backing the encroachers and those who carry out attacks. Following an attack during an eviction drive at Mirpur-10, DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton issued a stern warning, stating that the campaign to clear footpaths—aimed at ensuring unhindered movement for city residents—would continue even if it meant doing so “over my dead body.” This statement further underscores the DNCC’s uncompromising position against footpath encroachment in the capital.
The DNCC Administrator stated that eviction drives would persist against those disrupting pedestrian movement through illegal business activities. Ensuring the convenience of city residents is the City Corporation’s responsibility, and no obstruction or attack hindering the discharge of this duty will be tolerated.
A clash recently broke out during an eviction drive targeting illegal encroachments on the footpath in front of Hope Market at Mirpur-10. Upon visiting the site later, the Administrator declared that no leniency would be shown to those involved in the attacks on City Corporation transport, police personnel, and journalists during the operation.
Shafiqul Islam Khan mentioned that separate cases would be filed by both the DNCC and the police against those involved in the Mirpur-10 incident. They will be swiftly brought to justice based on the investigation. Legal action will also be taken regarding the assault on journalists.
He noted that drives to clear footpaths have been underway for several days and are being conducted in response to public demand. This is not merely an administrative task but also a moral obligation of the City Corporation toward the residents; therefore, the drives will continue out of a sense of duty. Public cooperation is essential for this initiative. The DNCC has announced an initiative to plant trees and create a pleasant environment for the unhindered movement of citizens in the area beneath the foot-over bridge at the Mirpur-10 roundabout, following the eviction of illegal encroachers. The Administrator stated that similar plans would be implemented in other areas under the DNCC’s jurisdiction as well.
Addressing the residents of Mirpur, Shafiqul Islam Khan remarked that recent events have demonstrated the public’s desire for footpaths free from encroachment. He warned that if any attempts are made to re-occupy the footpaths in the future—instigated by any party—legal action would be taken against the offenders.
Responding to questions from journalists regarding street vendors, the DNCC Administrator explained that a decision had previously been reached—following consultations and public meetings—prohibiting vendors from setting up stalls on footpaths. The DNCC had even issued 204 registration cards to facilitate legal, temporary business operations for them at alternative locations. However, many failed to adhere to that decision after a short period.
He stated, “Footpaths are meant for public movement; vendors will not be permitted to set up there.”
This firm stance by the DNCC is viewed as part of a strategy to establish a permanent solution for keeping footpaths free from encroachment, as there have been complaints of re-encroachment in certain areas following previous eviction drives.
Amidst the DNCC’s strict position, investigations into footpaths across various parts of the capital have revealed widespread allegations of encroachment and extortion. Findings indicate that hundreds of footpaths and adjacent areas in key locations are controlled by individuals who regularly collect money. Allegations suggest that daily fees ranging from Tk 150 to Tk 400 are charged per shop, with additional sums collected for electricity or lighting.
The investigation claims that over 500 individuals across the capital are involved in controlling footpaths and collecting extortion money. These individuals include political party leaders and activists, influential locals, and members of criminal gangs. However, it was not possible to independently verify the statements of everyone named in the investigation.
The investigation also noted the presence of hundreds of shops along “Hope-er Goli” (Hope Lane) at Mirpur-10 and the adjacent footpaths. Allegations exist regarding the daily collection of money at fixed rates from these shops. Similar complaints have surfaced concerning the footpaths in front of Ideal School and Senpara Parbata Government Primary School in Mirpur-10, as well as areas adjacent to Radda and the Fire Service station.
Furthermore, investigations have revealed allegations of footpath encroachment and extortion across various parts of the capital, including New Market, Nilkhet, Gausia, Chandrima Market, Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Badda, Shyampur, Shanir Akhra, Mohammadpur, Adabar, Agargaon, Farmgate, Rampura, Moghbazar, and Karwan Bazar.
According to the investigation, there are allegations that large sums of money are collected daily from various sections of the footpaths in the New Market area. Such activities are reportedly centered particularly around the footpaths at Nilkhet intersection, Gausia, Chandrima Market, and Noorjahan Market.
It is reported that there are hundreds of shops on the footpaths stretching from Nilkhet intersection to the various gates of New Market, with allegations of daily extortion at fixed rates. Similarly, allegations of footpath control exist in areas ranging from Dhanmondi Hawkers Market to Globe Shopping Center, Gausia to Eastern Mallika, and Rafin Plaza to Chandni Chowk, as well as in various parts of Nilkhet.
The investigation further claims that a system of illegal encroachment and extortion has developed on the footpaths inside New Market as well.
Allegations of footpath encroachment and extortion have also surfaced in various areas of the capital’s southern and central regions. A police document cites complaints regarding the collection of money from over a hundred shops in and around Dhupkhola Market.
There are allegations of daily money collection from vehicles at the Shyampur microbus stand and extortion from shops at the Shyampur wholesale market. Investigations have revealed similar complaints regarding footpaths in Shonir Akhra, Mohammadpur, Adabar, Agargaon, Farmgate, Rampura, Moghbazar, and Karwan Bazar.
In the Karwan Bazar area, complaints of encroachment and extortion have been reported on footpaths adjacent to Janata Tower, Station Road, Tejkunipara, DIT Market, the fish wholesale market, the fruit market, and various shops. Similarly, allegations have been made regarding money collection through local influential figures and “linemen” on footpaths in Rampura, Moghbazar, and Agargaon.
However, no individual can be conclusively labeled a criminal without hearing their side and independently verifying the allegations. Investigations by the relevant administration and law enforcement agencies are required to determine the veracity of these claims.
Investigations reveal that while there are allegations of political patronage behind footpath encroachment and extortion, the identity of the patrons has shifted over time. Although the same linemen and managers often remain active in collecting money at the ground level, there are allegations that the names of new influential figures are being used.
Sources claim that an economic network operates by facilitating footpath encroachment. Consequently, even when footpaths are cleared during eviction drives, shops often reappear there after a short period.
Dr. Towhidul Haque, a crime analyst and Associate Professor at Dhaka University, believes that merely evicting marginalized hawkers will not provide a permanent solution to the problem of footpath encroachment.
He notes that hawkers often set up stalls on footpaths after paying extortion money. Therefore, even if they are removed during eviction drives, encroachment can recur if the influential syndicates behind the practice remain active. According to him, it is necessary to identify and take legal action against influential figures involved in sidewalk encroachment, allow hawkers to conduct business in designated areas during specific times, and implement an effective “holiday market” system. Simultaneously, regular monitoring is required to prevent the recurrence of encroachment.
Dr. Touhidul Haque emphasizes the importance of identifying the role of political or influential forces in sidewalk encroachment; otherwise, merely evicting hawkers is unlikely to yield a long-term solution.
Experts in the technology sector have suggested leveraging technology to control sidewalk encroachment.
Engineer Md. Mofakkharul Islam, Managing Director of MySoft Heaven (BD), suggests deploying smart CCTV and AI-based video analytics in key sidewalk and market areas. These systems could automatically alert relevant authorities upon detecting illegal structures or new instances of encroachment.
He also recommends creating specific digital maps for every sidewalk and storing them in a GIS-based database. This would enable the rapid identification of legally usable sidewalk sections versus areas subject to illegal encroachment.
Additionally, he proposes launching an app or a hotline for citizens to lodge complaints.
Clearing the capital’s sidewalks of encroachment involves more than just eviction drives; it encompasses complex issues such as hawkers’ livelihoods, extortion, local influence, allegations of political patronage, law and order, and urban management.
However, the stance of the DNCC is clear from the recent statements of its Administrator, Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton: there will be no compromise regarding keeping sidewalks—intended for pedestrian movement—free from encroachment. He has also warned that legal action will be taken against any obstruction to eviction drives, physical attacks, or attempts to re-occupy the spaces.
The primary challenge now facing the DNCC is to maintain regular and effective eviction operations while preventing re-encroachment, identifying the economic networks driving these encroachments, and devising realistic alternative arrangements for the hawkers. Following the administrator’s stern announcement, the extent to which that stance proves effective and enduring at the ground level is now a matter of interest to the city’s residents.
