Illegal street vendors and hawkers occupying roads and pavements across the capital will face immediate criminal prosecution and the seizure of their merchandise, warned the Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam.
Speaking as the chief guest during a special mosquito eradication and cleanliness drive organised for DSCC’s weekly ‘Cleaning Day’ on Saturday, the administrator declared that the period of gentle persuasion had officially come to an end. Strict legal steps will now be enforced against anyone erecting unauthorized stalls outside established municipal guidelines.
The administrator emphasised that unchecked street vending and illegal pop-up shops remain primary culprits behind Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion, unmanaged littering, and persistent pedestrian blockades. Everyday commuters bear the brunt of these disruptions, a plight the municipality is determined to resolve through decisive urban management.
Highlighting the firm stance of the local government, Abdus Salam noted that human grounds can no longer be used as an excuse to justify the unlawful occupation of public thoroughfares and footpaths. Anyone attempting to trade outside designated city corporation zones risks having their goods confiscated alongside facing formal legal prosecution.
Focusing on high-density commercial zones, he revealed that eviction drives will resume in the popular New Market area next week. The administration will ensure that primary roadways remain completely free of vendor encroachment to restore order and safety for shoppers and motorists alike.
Beyond spatial management, the administrator addressed public health concerns, calling on residents to remain vigilant against dengue fever. Emphasising that vector control relies heavily on sanitation, he urged citizens to prevent water from accumulating anywhere for more than three days. Routine cleaning operations will be paired with public awareness rallies and campaign processions to curb air pollution and maintain environmental health across all city wards.
Addressing infrastructure adjustments, Abdus Salam outlined progress on shifting a Secondary Transfer Station (STS) situated outside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Malibagh. Following a request from CID authorities and in the public interest, the waste transfer facility has been cleared to accommodate vehicle parking. Construction of an alternative STS catering to local waste disposal needs is currently underway and is scheduled for completion within the current month.
Saturday’s clean-up operation commenced outside the CID headquarters and progressed through Shantinagar, Kakrail, and Naya Paltan, before culminating at Fakirapool. The administrator directly inspected the removal of accumulated refuse and the clearance of illegal shops along the route. City corporation sanitation workers, mosquito control staff, and local residents actively joined the day-long drive, supported by public announcements via loudspeakers and awareness marches across multiple wards.
