Staff Reporter:
Despite the absence of any clear policy or legal framework, hawkers are reportedly being allowed to occupy roads in parts of Dhaka under a process initiated by Dhaka South City Corporation, raising concerns among urban planners and residents.
According to sources, following recent eviction drives in Gulistan and nearby areas, the city corporation marked designated spots with white lines along the link road near Ramna Bhaban to rehabilitate displaced hawkers. Vendors are allegedly being issued “hawker cards” permitting them to operate in those spaces.
However, critics say the process lacks transparency and legal validity. Allegations have emerged that money is being collected in exchange for the cards, although there is no publicly available information regarding the selection process, the amount collected, or where the funds are going.
Urban planning experts warn that allowing hawkers to occupy roads without a structured policy could worsen disorder in the capital and make future enforcement increasingly difficult.
They argue that uncontrolled hawker activity already causes severe obstruction on footpaths and roads, forcing pedestrians onto busy streets and increasing the risk of accidents and traffic congestion.
One urban planner said that when authorities themselves legitimize irregular practices, restoring order later becomes extremely challenging. “If hawkers are allowed in exchange for money today, removing them in the future will become even harder,” the expert noted.
Pedestrians in areas such as Gulistan and Motijheel say footpaths have become nearly unusable due to roadside businesses, leaving little space for walking.
On the other hand, many hawkers say they are compelled to operate on the streets due to economic hardship and would willingly relocate if authorities provided designated and lawful vending zones.
Analysts believe a long-term solution requires planned hawker zones, licensing systems, time-based vending arrangements, and strict monitoring, along with coordinated action by enforcement agencies.
Attempts to contact Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam for comment were unsuccessful.
