Encroachment on Footpaths and Roads at Kaukhali Weekly Market Causes Public Distress

Illegal encroachment on sidewalks and main roads has paralysed the Kaukhali weekly market in Pirojpur district, causing immense hardship to thousands of daily shoppers. Operating every Friday and Monday, the market attracts residents alongside buyers from neighbouring upazilas like Rajapur, Swarupkathi, and Bhandaria. Footpaths constructed over drainage channels for pedestrians, along with the main road, are now occupied by dishonest traders from Chirapara Bridge to the South and North Markets. Mobile shops on vans and excessive auto-rickshaws further exacerbate the daily traffic congestion.

The ongoing obstruction has turned routine movement into a hazardous venture, particularly for women, children, and elderly citizens. Although the Upazila Law and Order Committee previously ordered footpaths to remain permanently clear, leading to brief enforcement following administrative megaphone announcements, encroachers have recently retaken the entire stretch. Highlighting the safety crisis, local lawyer Advocate Johurul Islam remarked: ‘There is no safety for general movement in the market. Women and elderly individuals suffer severely. Evicting van-based shops and clearing footpaths will restore a proper environment’.

Responding to public grievances, law enforcement and administrative authorities have pledged immediate corrective measures to reclaim public spaces. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kaukhali Police Station Md. Anwar Hossain confirmed: ‘In coordination with the upazila administration, necessary steps will be taken swiftly to restore a normal environment to the market.’ Police intend to work alongside local officials to clear roadside hazards and ensure smooth pedestrian access across key market pathways during peak operating days.

Newly appointed Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rehena Akter reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to resolving the crisis promptly. ‘I have recently joined and have just been informed about this allegation. To bring the market back to a normal state at the earliest, legal measures will be enforced after discussions with the traders,’ she stated. Residents and citizen groups remain optimistic that swift administrative enforcement will permanently free the market from illegal occupation and restore safe commuting conditions.