The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Traffic Division is preparing to launch a citywide week-long enforcement campaign targeting illegal shops and unauthorised structures occupying roads and footpaths across the capital. The operation will commence on Wednesday and continue through Sunday, with authorities aiming to restore pedestrian access and ease severe traffic congestion in some of Dhaka’s busiest and most congested corridors.
According to a press release issued by the DMP on Tuesday night, the drive has been formally approved under the authority of the DMP Commissioner. Special Metropolitan Magistrates, alongside Executive Magistrates, will conduct mobile court operations throughout the campaign period, enabling on-the-spot enforcement actions against individuals and business operators found to be illegally occupying public space.
The initiative will target a wide range of commercial establishments, including roadside restaurants, vehicle repair workshops, welding units, garment outlets, furniture shops and other businesses operating along major roads and pavements. Authorities have emphasised that the primary objective is to dismantle unauthorised extensions, temporary structures and makeshift stalls that obstruct both vehicular movement and pedestrian pathways.
The DMP has divided the capital into eight traffic divisions—Ramna, Lalbagh, Motijheel, Wari, Tejgaon, Mirpur, Uttara and Gulshan—with each assigned specific operational zones on designated days of the drive.
Enforcement Schedule Across Dhaka
| Day | Divisions & Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Wednesday (Day 1) | Ramna: Maghbazar–Banglamotor; Lalbagh: Fulbaria–Chankharpul; Motijheel: Nightingale–Arambagh; Wari: Dholai–Jatrabari; Tejgaon: Green Road–Karwan Bazar; Mirpur: Kazipara–Mirpur-14; Uttara: BNS Centre–House Building; Gulshan: Kakoli outbound |
| Thursday (Day 2) | Ramna: Dhaka Medical–Bongobazar; Lalbagh: Banshal–North South Road; Motijheel: Khilgaon–Chanmari; Wari: Jatrabari–Kajla; Tejgaon: Mohammadpur–Ring Road; Mirpur: Mirpur-10–12; Uttara: Airport Gate–Medical area; Gulshan: DNCC Market area |
| Friday | No operations scheduled |
| Saturday (Day 3) | Ramna: Panthapath–Green Road; Lalbagh: Narinda–Goalghat; Motijheel: Rampura–Malibagh; Wari: Sayedabad–Goplabagh; Tejgaon: Mohammadpur–Bosila; Mirpur: Mirpur-1–Sony Cinema Hall; Uttara: Kachabazar–Kadam Chattar; Gulshan: Mohakhali Kachabazar |
| Sunday (Day 4) | Ramna: Science Lab–New Market–Nilkhet; Lalbagh: Rayer Bazar–Banshal; Motijheel: Shapla Chattar–Fakirapul; Wari: Jurain–Shyampur; Tejgaon: Passport Office–Shahbagh corridor; Mirpur: Shah Ali Mazar–Mirpur-1; Uttara: Rajlaxmi Market; Gulshan: Mohakhali Aarong–Police Plaza |
Officials stated that the drive forms part of a broader strategy to reclaim public spaces in Dhaka, where uncontrolled roadside commercial expansion has long contributed to traffic gridlock, unsafe pedestrian conditions and reduced overall road safety.
Authorities further noted that many businesses have extended their physical premises onto pavements and even portions of carriageways without official approval. Such encroachments, they warned, not only disrupt traffic flow but also pose serious safety risks, particularly in densely populated commercial zones where pedestrian movement is heavy throughout the day.
Senior officials confirmed that mobile courts will operate throughout the campaign to ensure immediate legal action. Offenders may face fines, removal of illegal structures on the spot, and additional penalties under municipal and traffic regulations in cases of repeated violations.
The campaign will pause on Friday before resuming on Saturday and concluding on Sunday with enforcement activities across key commercial and transport hubs in central Dhaka.
The DMP has urged business owners to voluntarily clear unauthorised structures ahead of the drive, warning that strict enforcement will be implemented without exception. Citizens have also been requested to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer pedestrian access across the city.
Officials described the initiative as part of an ongoing effort to restore order on Dhaka’s streets and footpaths, which continue to face mounting pressure from rapid urbanisation, unregulated commercial growth and chronic urban space constraints.