Public Relief as Government Takes Firm Stance

People had long been frustrated over extortion, land grabbing, illegal structures, footpath encroachment and other irregularities. Public relief is now returning to Dhaka and other areas as the government takes a tough stance and continues its drives.

Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman has sent a strong message by making BNP family member Ferdousi Ahmed Misti resign from the party. His zero-tolerance policy towards wrongdoing has also sent a message to BNP leaders and activists at all levels. From ministers and MPs to political leaders, no one will be spared if they engage in extortion or wrongdoing.

However, concerns remain over the eviction of hawkers. A civil society group has raised the issue of human rights violations, although the group had earlier said that pedestrians could not move freely on footpaths. This has raised concerns over whether hawkers could again be encouraged to occupy footpaths in the name of human rights.

Those concerned say the situation is changing due to eviction drives, action against extortion and law enforcement activities. However, people fear that the situation could return to normal after the drives end. They are therefore demanding regular enforcement and political and administrative accountability.

Across the country, allegations of extortion, land grabbing and mob violence involving ruling party leaders and activists have caused public frustration. Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman has issued a strong message against such activities.

Several incidents have recently drawn attention. On September 24, the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, which provides maternal and child healthcare services, was demolished and looted. The following day, the New Guinea Properties housing project in the ECB area was attacked and the studio of content creator Salman Muqtadir was vandalised and looted. An alleged attempt was also made to occupy a multi-storey building in Shyamoli Housing. Later, several hundred people reportedly entered a plot in Chand Udyan in Mohammadpur and vandalised it.

Allegations have emerged of involvement of some local ruling party leaders and activists in these incidents.

Meanwhile, allegations have been raised over an alleged conspiracy involving the NBR and the Department of Narcotics Control against an established business organisation. The report alleges that a major industrial group was behind the move and paid crores of taka to corrupt officials. It further alleges that four diplomatic liquor warehouses belonging to Sheikh Nur Islam, Salman Muqtadir’s father-in-law, were later sealed.

On Thursday night, businessman Md. Sohan, 35, was seriously injured in Banglamotor after an expelled Jubo Dal leader allegedly hit him with the butt of a pistol. Ferdous Ahmed Saimon allegedly fired two blank shots and later took shelter in a building with his associates. Police detained Ferdous and two others.

The same night, Chattogram North District Jubo Dal Vice-President Md. Ismail Hossain was accused of assaulting a police constable in front of Sitakunda Police Station. Police detained him and later released him on a bond. He was subsequently expelled from Jubo Dal.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Department of Narcotics Control raided four bars in Dhaka, including Fu-Wang Club, Ruchita, Blazer Claus and Koila.

Meanwhile, reserved-seat MP Ferdousi Ahmed resigned amid allegations of involvement in the Radda incident. The Dhaka North units of BNP and Jubo Dal and the Dhaka West unit of Chhatra Dal were also dissolved. Fourteen leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organisations were expelled.

Home Minister Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed said an impartial investigation was underway into the Radda incident and that no one would be spared if involvement was found. He said anyone involved in extortion, violence, drugs, gambling or other crimes would face strict action regardless of political identity.

SRB Director Wing Commander M. Z. M. Intekhab Chowdhury told Inqilab, “Our position against crime and extortion is strict and uncompromising. Criminals are brought under the law regardless of their political or social identity.”

Meanwhile, DNCC and DSCC have intensified drives to remove illegal occupations from footpaths and roads in Dhaka. Temporary shops, structures and other obstructions are being removed.

Residents have welcomed the drives, saying pedestrian movement has become easier. However, they stressed the need for regular monitoring to prevent reoccupation.

Mirpur resident Sahadat Hossain told Inqilab, “Hawkers have occupied most of the footpaths in the capital. In some areas, the entire footpath has been occupied. We have to walk along the roadside or on the main road.”

DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan said the drives would continue. “If anyone occupies a footpath again after an eviction, DNCC will conduct a tougher drive. There will be no compromise over reoccupation,” he said.

DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam told Inqilab, “Hawkers will not be allowed to conduct business on main roads or footpaths while causing suffering to pedestrians. Strict action will be taken if illegal shops are set up.”

IPD Executive Director and urban planner Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan said regular monitoring was needed alongside eviction drives. He also stressed coordination among city corporations, the traffic department, local administration and law enforcement agencies to address Dhaka’s footpath and road occupation problem.