City roads or markets? -The Asian Age

Different important and busy roads in the capital have been occupied by makeshift markets creating immense sufferings to the city commuters.  Despite frequent drives, hawkers sit everyday at makeshift markets on footpaths, even both sides of roads with their commodities, crippling the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Besides, haphazard illegal parking occupying portions of roads has now become another menace for the city dwellers.

Such makeshift markets are highly seen at Motijheel, Shapla Chattar, Dilkusha, Dainik Bangla, Fakirapool and Arambagh in the city. Influential traders and hawkers are behind this illegal practice. They sell fishes, vegetables, cloths, fruits, electronic goods, mobile accessories and other things on roads and footpaths. Some also run tea stalls, makeshift restaurants and park cars illegally.

Due to these floating shops, pedestrians can't walk smoothly through footpaths. Traffic congestion is created for this.  It is complained that, influential people in collaboration with local police stations and traffic police have set up over 1000 illegal shops on footpaths and both sides of roads in Motijheel area. In exchange, police realize Tk 600 from each shop in the name of traffic and crime department of Motijheel zone.

Moinul Hassan, DC of Traffic Department (East Zone) said, "I am not aware about the allegation of illegal money collection. Crime division handles the matter of illegal shops, which are run by occupying roads and footpaths. If someone realizes money in the name of traffic police,  he will be brought to book after the investigation. Besides, action would immediately be taken against illegal car parking."

During a spot visit, this correspondent found that, over 1000 illegal floating shops were set up grabbing footpaths and roads in Motijheel Commercial area, Shapla Chattar, Dilkusha, Arambagh and Dainik Bangla Moor area. Consequently, movement of vehicles and pedestrians was hampering seriously.

While talking, local employees and commuters complained that, some traders have been running businesses occupying footpaths and roads for long. In exchange, they pay monthly extortion to some influential and police personnel.

Hafizur Rahman, a car driver said, "We can't reach our destination timely due to traffic congestion on roads caused by illegal occupation by shop owners. But, police or authorities concerned of City Corporation don't take any step to evict them."

Seeking anonymity, an official of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) said, "We have taken initiatives several times to evict them. But, we have faced trouble due to undue political pressure. Alongside, the occupants return to their previous places shortly after the drives. Consequently, the efforts have gone in vain every time."

-Golam Mostafa Jibon, AA