Evicted hawkers

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We all are mourning the death of two hawkers who were run over by a speeding pick-up van on June 22 last at Bangabandhu Avenue. The incident took place when hundreds of hawkers gathered at the makeshift market near Gulistan underpass at around 2:30am in a bid to occupy the best locations for selling their merchandise. Their struggle was nothing but a desperate attempt to earn a living. Thousands of people were evicted from their homes and business establishment during recent drive against unauthorised occupation of government land.
While the pick-up van driver is apparently responsible for the death of these two hawkers, the government drive indirectly is largely responsible for it.
Now after this tragic incident, the government should realise that it is high time to rehabilitate the evicted vendors. It should immediately build a permanent market where the hawkers will get a place for doing business and service. There could be long-term lease agreement between the hawkers and the government in exchange for payment of possession money. Till then, the hawkers should be allowed to carry on with their business at the earlier spots in an orderly manner.
Hossain Mohammad
Dhanmani R/A, Dhaka