The Traffic Lalbagh Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) conducted an eviction drive today to clear illegal occupations from roads and footpaths in Babubazar and Badamtoli areas of Dhaka.

The operation, carried out from 10:30am to 2:30pm, resulted in 21 cases being filed and around Tk 1 lakh in fines realised against illegal parking and unlawful structures.

One shopkeeper was detained for running a floating eatery on the footpath.

Police teams removed illegal structures and unauthorised parking from four blocks under the Babubazar Bridge, where the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) recently cancelled leases. Makeshift structures, fruit shops and illegal parking occupying roads and bridge sections were also cleared.

According to DMP Traffic, this was the second consecutive day of action, following an identical drive in the area on Tuesday.

The drive was led by Lalbagh Traffic Division Deputy Commissioner Md Mofizul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ehsanul Kamran Tanveer, and Kotwali Zone Assistant Commissioner (Traffic) AKM Monjurul Alam, among other officials.

DC Mofizul Islam said cases were filed against buses, trucks and other vehicles primarily for illegal parking and obstructing roads. “Heavy vehicles are permitted to ply only within designated hours as per the commissioner’s directives. They can enter after 10:00pm and must leave by 8:00am. Legal action is being taken if any vehicle is found operating outside the scheduled time,” he said.

Identifying two staircases on the Babubazar Bridge as a major cause of gridlock, he noted that passengers board and get off buses using them.

He said further review is required to assess whether closing the staircases would be practical.

Regarding the removal of vegetable markets from the bridge, he stated that no shops would be allowed on the streets. “We will continue this drive until the traffic situation returns to normal. The law must be obeyed and a culture of law-abiding behaviour must be built. We have faced this situation due to years of irresponsible actions. We want an end to this and aim to turn Old Dhaka into a beautiful, traffic-free area. Everyone’s cooperation is required for this,” he added.