Hawker leaders demand introduction of rehabilitation policy

Staff Correspondent: Leaders of Hawkers’ Association have demanded rehabilitation of hawkers before eviction on Dhaka streets.

 

The leaders came up with the demand while addressing a rally in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital at around 11:30am on Tuesday.

 

Hawkers’ Association convener Abul Hossain said, "No hawker eviction, rehabilitation policy should be introduced. Earlier, Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina announced to rehabilitate hawkers. We cannot comply with the eviction drive without any prior rehabilitation of hawkers."

 

Hundreds of hawkers from different streets of the capital gathered in front of Jatiya Press Club at around 11:30am and held a rally in favour of a 10-point demand including a stop to the eviction drive without prior rehabilitation.

 

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sayeed Khokon on January 11 sat with the hawker leaders in discussion at Nagar Bhaban. After the meeting, the mayor announced that no hawker will be allowed in footpaths of the capital during office time since January 15.

 

But the hawkers can run their business in footpath from 6:00pm daily and since morning in weekends, the mayor added.

 

However, city corporation authority conducted eviction drive in the city yesterday.

 

Meanwhile, hawkers staged demonstration protesting the eviction drive.

 

risingbd/DHAKA/Jan 17, 2017/Hasibul Islam/Amirul