Published: 11:39 PM, 01 October 2026
DNCC warns serious action if footpaths are reoccupied
Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Shafiqul Islam Khan has said the ongoing drive to free the footpaths from illegal occupation at Mirpur area will continue.
The drive will be much stronger if the footpaths are reoccupied, he said in a views exchange meeting with local residents during a visit to the Mirpur-10 area to inspect the site of eviction drive.
"Footpaths designated for public movement will be kept open. There is no concession in dealing with attempts to reoccupy the footpaths," he said. Earlier, he visited the residence of journalist Sifat at West Shewrapara who was injured during a clash at the time of drive on Wednesday, BSS reports.
The DNCC 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 DNCC's initiative. They urged the administrator to continue the eviction drive and ensure that Mirpur-10 area remains permanently free from illegal occupation.
Calling the attack on a journalist "extremely unfortunate," he said the DNCC 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 sufferings. 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 DNCC 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 DNCC. Trees would be planted there to make the capital greener, cleaner and more orderly, he said.
The DNCC administrator called upon the local residents to cooperate with the members of the eviction team in carrying out the operation.
