Businesses blocking footpaths to lose trade licences

Traders have been running business setting up makeshift shops on the busy important road at the capital's Gulistan for long time, shrinking space for both vehicular and pedestrian movement. — FE Photo

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) administrator Mohammad Azaz said on Saturday that trade licences will be revoked if any businesses operate occupying footpaths.
"After Eid, we will conduct a drive. Trade licences of businesses encroaching on footpaths will be cancelled, and their shops will be sealed," he said while talking to reporters after visiting the ongoing development work of Mirpur 60-feet road on Saturday, reports UNB.
The administrator said many garage owners were using footpaths and roads to wash motorcycles and cars, while many shopkeepers were conducting business on the footpaths.
He added that they were facing difficulties with the development work.
"At eight points on the 60-feet road, house owners are obstructing our efforts to build sidewalks. They are not allowing our workers to construct and are citing the court's verdict as a threat. They are also not cooperating, are setting up illegal shops, and dumping garbage," he explained.
The DNCC administrator said, "We aim to facilitate public movement, but if anyone illegally obstructs government work, strict action will be taken."
He also said they were examining the properties of those hindering the work to determine if they are illegally using residential buildings for commercial purposes.
"We will investigate whether they have been paying commercial tax for the last 20 years, review their plans, and check for permissions. Illegal structures outside the approved plans will be demolished, and no concessions will be given," he added.
The DNCC administrator assured that the work on the 60-feet road will be completed before Eid.