MM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Mirpur-15 lawmaker Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for a balanced and sustainable solution to the eviction of small traders from footpaths and roads in the capital’s Mirpur-10 area, stressing that merely removing them would not resolve the problem.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the call while visiting the area around 5:00pm on Wednesday to inspect the situation following a recent eviction drive targeting roadside and footpath businesses.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, he said roads must remain accessible to vehicles and footpaths should be kept clear for pedestrians. However, small traders who depend on these spaces for their livelihoods should not simply be evicted without making alternative arrangements for them.

“An eviction drive alone cannot provide a permanent solution. Appropriate alternative locations should be identified so that small traders can continue their businesses in an organised manner,” he said.

He noted that many people come to Dhaka from rural areas in search of a livelihood and become involved in small businesses. According to him, many of these traders also face demands for illegal payments at different levels.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman called for an end to such practices and urged the authorities to provide designated places where small traders could conduct their businesses legally and safely.

He said the issue had been discussed before the election as part of efforts to find a sustainable and coordinated solution to the problems faced by small traders.

“If specific places are allocated for small traders, the city corporation can also collect taxes from them at a reasonable rate,” he said, adding that extortion should not be allowed under any circumstances.

The Jamaat chief also stressed the need to keep roads and footpaths free for their intended purposes, saying the lack of social discipline has resulted in businesses operating on many roads and footpaths. This causes inconvenience to pedestrians and increases the risk of accidents, he added.

Referring to several recent untoward incidents in the Mirpur area, he called for effective action against illegal occupation, extortion and corruption.

He also urged the authorities to bring those involved in criminal activities to justice and ensure appropriate punishment in accordance with law.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman called upon everyone to remain calm and patient and work collectively against illegal occupation, extortion and corruption.

He expressed hope that concerted efforts would help build a cleaner, more humane and orderly Bangladesh.

During the visit, Jamaat Central Executive Council members Mobarak Hossain and Dr Md Rezaul Karim, who is also secretary of Jamaat’s Dhaka North city unit, Central Majlis-e-Shura member and assistant secretary of the Dhaka North city unit Dr Fakhruddin Manik, and local leaders were present.