Dhaka South clears Segunbagicha footpath, sets up holiday market for hawkers
The renovated footpath now has new dustbins and benches for pedestrians, while the boundary wall has also been repaired.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has cleared the footpath in Segunbagicha of hawkers and reopened it for pedestrians, while arranging alternative spaces for them to continue their businesses.
Dhaka South Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the beautification work at Segunbagicha this morning (5 October).
The renovated footpath now has new dustbins and benches for pedestrians, while the boundary wall has also been repaired.
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As part of the beautification work, graffiti featuring 10 prominent figures from Bangladesh's arts and culture sector has been added, including Zainul Abedin, Satyajit Ray, Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Speaking at the event, Abdus Salam said hawkers will not be allowed to occupy roads or footpaths in the capital and will have to conduct their businesses at designated alternative locations.
A "holiday market" will also be arranged at the Pir Yameni Mazar area on Fridays and Saturdays, while hawkers will be allowed to operate on the footpath opposite Ideal School on other days, he said.
"These decisions were taken through several discussions with leaders of hawker organisations," the administrator said.
He said hawkers will not be allowed to block main roads or occupy other footpaths without permission.
Anyone returning to prohibited areas after eviction will face legal action, including seizure of goods, he added.
"We do not want to evict anyone or cause financial losses to poor hawkers. That is why alternative locations have been arranged for them," Abdus Salam said.
He said the area adjacent to the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, which was previously difficult for pedestrians to use, has been cleared of hawkers to develop it as a clean cultural environment.
Dhaka South cleaners will regularly maintain the area, while the Shilpakala Academy and citizens also need to play a responsible role in maintaining its cleanliness and environment, he said.
Calling for cooperation from journalists, hawkers and people from all sections of society, the administrator said keeping Dhaka "clean and green" is not only the government's responsibility but also the civic responsibility of all Dhaka residents.
