Over 200 illegal structures, including a kitchen market, in Kotaliapara upazila of Gopalganj were demolished on Thursday for illegally occupying roads and footpaths.
Later, the authorities allocated space for these vendors in the designated municipal kitchen market.
The drive, which took place from 5:00pm. to 10:00pm, was led by Kotaliapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Municipality Administrator Shahinur Akter, along with officials from the upazila administration, local police, the municipality, and the Fire Service. Various shops, including those selling fresh produce, shops of street vendors, fruit stalls, and illegal food kiosks were demolished during the drive.
Al-Amin Khan, a Singapore expatriate, said, Ghaghar Bazar is an old and well-established market. Over time, shops had taken over the footpaths, drains, and roads, causing inconvenience to customers. Now, we can shop safely and without obstruction.
Pijus Biswas, the Executive Officer of Kotaliapara municipality, said, roads and footpaths were illegally occupied by various structures, including a kitchen market in Ghaghar Bazar and Pashchim Para area. So, we conducted this operation to clear the area.
Shahinur Akter, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Municipal Administrator, added, under the instructions of Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Kamruzzaman, a decision was made to clear the illegal establishments on the footpaths of Ghaghar Bazar and upazila sadar. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion and prevent public inconvenience.
