Dhaka, Nov 12 (V7N)- Hundreds of makeshift shops along Dhaka's Farmgate sidewalks were removed in a large-scale eviction drive on Tuesday, sparking protests by hawkers. Around noon, a joint team comprising police, army, RAB, and city corporation officials began clearing the area from Green Road to Khamarbari, dismantling informal shops obstructing the sidewalks and streets.

The four-hour operation covered areas from Ananda Cinema Hall to Tejgaon College, removing nearly a thousand shops that had long occupied the sidewalks. At around 3pm, hundreds of affected hawkers rallied in protest, briefly blocking the Khamarbari intersection and marching to Tejgaon College and Ananda Cinema Hall, where they continued their demonstration.

"We operate these shops to make a living," said hawker Md Sirajul Islam. "If we’re evicted, where will we go? How will we support our families?"

Another hawker, Md Shafik, criticized the eviction, alleging prior instances of extortion by authorities. “In the past, the police and others collected payments from each shop, and there were no problems. Now, with no one collecting bribes, we’re being removed. We won’t tolerate this. If they continue, we’ll launch a tougher movement.”

Explaining the eviction, DMP Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Ruhul Kabir Khan stated, “Farmgate is a high-traffic area, and the sidewalk and road occupation inconveniences the public and contributes to criminal activity. Clearing the sidewalks was essential."

Captain Abrar, leading the Tejgaon military team involved, added that "announcements were made the previous day, asking shopkeepers to vacate, but they remained.” He confirmed the drive would persist to ensure public safety.

Tejgaon Division Additional Deputy Police Mohammad Ziaul Haque echoed the need for the operation, saying, “These unauthorized shops disrupt public movement and encourage theft and muggings. As part of the ongoing effort, hawkers will no longer be allowed on Farmgate's sidewalks and roads.”

END/MSS/AJ