Dear Sir,
The footpaths of the capital are now occupied by hawkers. Not only that, they also occupy adjacent roads, particularly in busy areas like Gulistan-Paltan. These places designated for pedestrians are now markets for buying and selling.
Not only mobile shops, but also permanent shops are being set up on the footpaths. Despite repeated bans from city authorities, this illegal occupation continues unabated. Even after the eviction drive, the footpaths are being reoccupied overnight. This persistent cycle raises a crucial question: will the city's sidewalks remain perpetually encroached and unprotected?
Occupying footpaths is seriously disrupting the movement of people. In areas like Link Road in Gulistan, Shahid Abrar Fahad Avenue, and near Golap Shah Mazar, hawker vans and makeshift shops have narrowed the roads, creating bottlenecks. It is often seen that it takes half an hour to cross a five-minute walk in Gulistan.
A permanent solution to this problem is not only through eviction, but alternative arrangements must be made for the hawkers.
AR Salauddin Ferdous
Trishal, Mymensingh
