DNCC Mayor Annisul Huq was speaking to people before evicting illegal bus stand at Tejgaon in November, 2015. -AA File Photo
Dhaka North City Corporation’s (DNCC) Mayor Annisul Huq successfully carried out a tough job in 2015 by evicting illegal settlements from Tejgaon bus stand. He also removed thousands of billboards from different parts of Dhaka city which comes under his mayoral jurisdiction.
Annisul Huq’s eviction drive reduced traffic jam remarkably and cleaned up the city to a praiseworthy extent which he did without caring about any sort of political trepidations or influence. But the noble works by Annisul Huq are facing hurdles as a vicious quarter has in the meantime recaptured Tejgaon bus stand taking advantage of Annisul Huq’s physical absence who has been under medical treatment in London for last couple of months.
Hooligans, gangsters and so-called transport leaders have once again occupied the roads and streets around Tejgaon area by erecting illegal parking spaces on these spots. Reportedly most of these unauthorized occupants are making references to the ruling party to shield their unlawful encroachments. Allegations further show the encroachers have also hushed up the law and order forces with bribes.
As a result traffic movement all over Tejgaon industrial area has been direly obstructed. Moreover, by means of occupying these areas through muscles, political pressure and money the people at the back of these illegal rackets have hit the government’s image with negative impressions.
Most of the residents of Dhaka are worried about the future of Hatirjheel too. Allegedly this place also has been infested with drug addicts, muggers and unlawful settlers. If illegal settlements, undue occupations of roads and streets cannot be halted the condition of Dhaka metropolis will further deteriorate, according to city dwellers.
It sounds too unfortunate that the living quality of Dhaka city is compared to devastated cities like Baghdad, Damascus and Tripoli on global ranking by international agencies. Immediate actions and effective roles by the concerned administrators are urgently required to elevate the status of Dhaka city by improving its features and amenities without delay, most of the civic society members have asserted this point.
Conscious citizens have laid emphasis on army deployment for strict maintenance and monitoring of roads, parks and bus stands of Dhaka city for transparency and proper implementation of traffic rules.
In this context Professor Dr. Hafiza Khatun, Chairperson, Department of Geography and Environment, Dhaka University said to The Asian Age, “Anarchy like illegal occupations of roads and sidewalks prevails all over Bangladesh including Dhaka city.
People who occupy roads and other spaces often have unholy alliance with local administration which is how they come back even after being evicted. The government sometimes delays to implement its plans. Illegal occupants take advantage of such dillydally by the authorities.”
Urbanization expert Professor Dr. A. M. M. Amanat Ullah Khan of Dhaka University told The Asian Age, “There is a severe lack of monitoring after eviction of illegal occupants on different spots of Dhaka city. The government should initiate its drive against unauthorized settlements on roads without being influenced by any party or individuals.”
