The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a comprehensive eviction drive in the bustling commercial district of Gulistan to clear illegally occupied footpaths and roads. The high-priority operation was initiated to normalize urban traffic management and ensure safe, uninterrupted movement for pedestrians who navigate the area daily.
At the onset of the drive, the enforcement teams deployed heavy machinery to demolish over a hundred unauthorized shops, makeshift stalls, and encroaching structures that had choked the sidewalks around Gulistan. For a long time, unauthorized syndicates had illegally occupied these public spaces, forcing thousands of citizens to walk on active roadways and severely exacerbating traffic congestion in the heart of the capital.
Despite sporadic resistance from vested interest groups, law enforcement agencies, including the police and security personnel, maintained strict control throughout the operation, allowing the demolition teams to execute their duties smoothly. Commuters and shoppers expressed immense relief following the clearance of the pathways, noting that pedestrian mobility had improved significantly, although calls for alternative rehabilitation for petty traders were also voiced.
DSCC officials emphasized that Gulistan serves as one of Dhaka's most vital transit and commercial hubs, drawing massive crowds daily. Maintaining order and smooth transit in such a critical zone remains a top priority for the municipal administration. Authorities have issued a stern warning that a zero-tolerance policy against illegal occupiers will persist, with permanent surveillance mechanisms being put in place to prevent repeat encroachments.
Concluding the day's operations, city authorities reiterated that similar anti-encroachment drives will be rolled out across other neighborhoods in Dhaka to reclaim public spaces. Setting up illegal structures on footpaths will face severe legal consequences moving forward. Civic groups and urban planners have widely praised the initiative as a crucial step toward creating a cleaner, more disciplined, and pedestrian-friendly metropolitan environment.
