No business can operate violating law: DNCC mayor

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Md Atiqul Islam warned businessmen of the capital saying none of them would be allowed to operate businesses violating the laws of the country. 

He said this while inspecting the eviction of illegal billboards, signboards, shop signs, project signs etc. on Banani Road No 11 at around 10 am on Friday, according to a press release. 

"No matter what you do, you have to get permission from the city corporation. Everything falls under the purview of some law and policy. However, we observe that nobody cares about those laws and policies and are installing signboards, shop signs, LED signs at will," said the mayor. 

The mayor continued, "When eviction drives begin, everyone says that they don't know the law. But, when you get a trade licence, what would be the size of the signboard is also mentioned there. It is illegal to make a 30 feet by 40 feet signboard when you have the approval for a 3 feet by 4 feet one." 

"We've removed a large signboard of an educational institution. What will the children learn when they see that their educational institution has illegally installed signboards?"

"What kind of healthcare facilities people can expect from the clinic that has illegally installed signboards on the street? 

"The beauty of the city is ruined as a result of putting up signboards in this way. The sky is not visible because of the signboards. Those who put up signboards illegally think they have a lot of power. They are doing business and making money. But, no illegal signboard can remain in the city," Mayor Atiqul said. 

Mentioning that many people try to reach him during such eviction campaigns and urge not to remove their signboards, the mayor said, "I will not receive phone calls when the mobile court drives are underway." 

The eviction drives are underway in Gulshan, Banani and Pragati Sarani areas. Operations will be conducted in other areas of the DNCC in the next month, said the mayor, according to the statement. 

The Friday's eviction drive was led by Motakabbir Ahmed, regional executive officer and executive magistrate of Zone-7. 

During the eviction drive, about 50 illegal billboards, and signboards were removed. Later, all those were sold at an auction for Tk40,000.  

Md Selim Reza, chief executive officer of the DNCC, and Abdullah Al Baki, regional executive officer of Zone-3, among others, were present during the eviction drive.