Dhaka dwellers continue to suffer in many parts of the capital as hawkers occupy large sections of sidewalks and roads, creating severe congestion.
In Gulistan, one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs, vendors have set up makeshift stalls covering much of the footpath and even parts of the roadway, forcing people to walk on the streets and slowing traffic.
The situation has worsened during the holy month of Ramadan when the number of hawkers and shoppers increases significantly ahead of iftar.
At Dhaka’s Gulistan police regularly conduct drives after noon to clear hawkers from the sidewalks and roads in an effort to ease traffic congestion and reduce public suffering.
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For a brief period, the streets become relatively clear and traffic movement improves.
However, the vendors do not leave the area completely. Many wait in nearby alleys and in front of buildings.
As police presence decreases shortly before iftar, they quickly return and reoccupy the footpaths and parts of the roads, setting up their stalls once again.
The photo was taken in Gulistan on Monday (March 9).