Sylhet, Oct 28 (V7N)- A joint operation by the Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Army, and Sylhet City Corporation successfully cleared illegal encroachments on sidewalks and roads in several areas of Sylhet city on Sunday afternoon. The operation targeted footpaths occupied by shops and hawkers in key areas, including Bandarbazar, Zindabazar, Mirza Jangal, Chauhatta, and Amberkhana, beginning around 3 pm.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Traffic), Rakhi Rani Das, stated, "Joint forces carried out this operation to keep the sidewalks of Sylhet city free from encroachment, ensuring safer paths for pedestrians." She confirmed that similar efforts would continue to prevent future encroachments.

Despite the operation’s success, the cleared sidewalks were quickly reoccupied by hawkers and shopkeepers. Within hours, shopkeepers resumed business along the sidewalks, and pedestrians reported significant disruption as footpaths and parts of the road were blocked, creating congestion and safety concerns. A traffic jam extended from Bandar Court Point to Chowhatta by 4:30 pm, and pedestrians had difficulty navigating the areas near Zindabazar Road and the shrine of Panch Pir.

This operation followed a prior meeting on October 24 in the conference room of the Sylhet Metropolitan Police. It included representatives from the police, army, city corporation, Sylhet Hawker Oikya Parishad, and other local organizations, discussing strategies to keep sidewalks clear of illegal encroachments. Despite these efforts, shopkeepers and hawkers have continued to reclaim sidewalk space, prompting frustration from residents and commuters.

Local residents, particularly students from Pioneer School, expressed their anger, demanding that authorities implement stronger enforcement measures to keep the sidewalks accessible for public use.

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