PM calls for fast resettlement of evicted Dhaka hawkers

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to ensure the swift rehabilitation of street hawkers evicted from various parts of Dhaka, urging coordinated efforts to identify suitable alternative locations.

He issued the instruction during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon, according to an official statement.

Senior officials from the Local Government Division, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police attended the meeting.

The prime minister asked relevant ministries and agencies to work together to quickly designate vending zones where displaced hawkers can continue their businesses in an organised and dignified manner. He said the relocated vendors must be provided with spaces where they can operate comfortably.

The directive follows recent eviction drives that removed several hundred makeshift shops from key areas of the capital, including Mirpur-1 under Dhaka North City Corporation and Motijheel, Baitul Mukarram, Paltan and Gulistan under Dhaka South City Corporation.

Officials at the meeting agreed that the government would arrange alternative sites for the evicted vendors. The introduction of a registration system, including identity cards for hawkers, was also discussed as a way to improve regulation.

The prime minister also highlighted the need to reduce traffic congestion, particularly during school opening and closing hours. He noted that unmanaged parking in front of educational institutions often contributes to gridlock and suggested that parts of school grounds could be used for parking.

Among those present were Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hasan, Rajuk Chairman Engineer Riazul Islam, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqur Rahman Khan, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar and Deputy Inspector General (Traffic) Anisur Rahman.