Dhaka’s footpaths have once again fallen back into chaos just days after a coordinated eviction drive, underlining the persistent challenge of freeing public spaces from long-standing encroachments.

Sidewalks cleared during a five-day drive by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have already been reoccupied in many key areas, raising fresh questions about the effectiveness of such enforcement efforts.

The drives were conducted from April 1 to 5 in eight traffic divisions, targeted illegal shops, street vendors and unauthorised parking on roads and footpaths.

Authorities removed structures, fined violators carrying out mobile court drives. Yet, within days, most areas saw hawkers return.

According to DMP data, 405 cases were filed, Tk 11.56 lakh were realised in fines, 57 individuals were warned and 96 others were sentenced to jail during the drives.

Relief short-lived

For a brief period, citizens experienced some relief in areas such as Gulistan, Dholaikhal, Uttara, Shanir Akhra and Kalabagan in Dhanmondi.

Within two days of the drive ending, sidewalks in most areas were once again occupied.

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In Gulistan, vendors have reclaimed footpaths much like before, though some now operate more cautiously.

In front of Golap Shah Mazar, many who previously used fixed stalls have shifted to laying goods on sheets, allowing them to move quickly if needed.

Similar scenes have returned in Paltan, Motijheel and New Market areas where makeshift shops line the sidewalks.

Visiting the stretch from Science Laboratory to Nilkhet UNB found hundreds of vendors occupying both sides of the road, forcing pedestrians onto busy streets and worsening traffic congestion.

Cycle of eviction and return

The pattern has become familiar: eviction drives briefly clear footpaths, only for vendors to return soon after.

Beyond New Market, hawkers have reappeared in Mohammadpur, Shyamoli Ring Road, Moghbazar, Banglamotor, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Gulistan and several other parts of the capital.

Voices from the street

For many vendors, eviction means losing their only source of income.

Sabuj Ali, a vendor in the New Market area, said, “If we are removed, where will we go? We are not causing problems for anyone. If eviction is necessary, the government should arrange alternatives.”

Pedestrians, however, tell a different story.

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“There is no space on the sidewalks,” said Shahed Ali in Mouchak. “They are completely occupied. I am forced to walk on the road, risking my safety.”

“Police said they cleared the sidewalks, but I don’t see any change.”

Drives to continue

Muhammad Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of DMP, said follow-up drives are already underway in areas where hawkers have returned.

“We conducted a drive in Sayedabad terminal area yesterday,” he said, adding that previously cleared locations will be monitored and cleared again if needed.

No easy solution

Authorities had earlier announced that hawkers would no longer be allowed to occupy sidewalks, with plans to rehabilitate them through “holiday” and night markets.

However, the lack of implementation has limited their impact.

Speaking at a press conference at Nagar Bhaban, Dhaka South city administrator Abdus Salam said he does not support sudden eviction of hawkers or autorickshaws without proper arrangements.

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“Removing hawkers abruptly is not a solution. We must ensure alternative arrangements for them,” he said, adding that the city plans to establish eight night markets. These markets would operate after office hours—from afternoon until midnight—so that vendors do not occupy sidewalks throughout the day.

Urban planner and BUET Professor Dr. Ishrat Islam stressed that while an inclusive city should ensure equal opportunities for all, the current situation—where sidewalks remain occupied—is not acceptable.

She noted that repeated eviction drives have failed because of a lack of proper planning.

“Before eviction, there must be a clear plan for those being removed; otherwise, it will not be sustainable,” she said.

She said the issue requires in-depth research to understand the underlying dynamics, including the drivers and stakeholders involved.

Simply removing vendors without addressing these factors will not work, she added.

She also pointed out that in many countries, including India, street vending is legally regulated through specific policies—something Bangladesh still lacks.