The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a firm ultimatum for the removal of all unauthorised structures and business extensions occupying footpaths and roadways across the city. The directive, released on Monday, 23 March 2026, underscores the police’s renewed determination to restore public spaces and pedestrian safety in the capital.
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Deadline and Enforcement
All encroachments must be cleared by 1 April 2026, according to the notice. Non-compliance will result in mobile court proceedings, led by Special Metropolitan Magistrates and Executive Magistrates. Legal consequences may include imprisonment, fines, and confiscation of materials.
Nature and Scope of Encroachments
DMP officials highlighted that a wide range of businesses—including restaurants, motor vehicle repair workshops, welding shops, garment outlets, and furniture stores—have unlawfully expanded operations onto footpaths and roads. This encroachment forces pedestrians to navigate busy streets, substantially increasing the risk of accidents and impeding smooth traffic flow.
Specific examples of encroachment include:
- Restaurants placing stoves, burners, cooking utensils, and grills on pedestrian pathways.
- Motor workshops leaving tyres, machinery, and equipment on roads, occasionally occupying entire lanes.
- Retail stores displaying garments, furniture, and other merchandise on sidewalks, further restricting movement.
Such practices not only endanger public safety but also contribute to traffic congestion and urban disorder.
Call to Action
The DMP urged all business owners to remove all items from footpaths and streets immediately, stressing that this action aligns with the public interest and the broader goal of maintaining lawful urban order.
Enforcement Measures
Once the deadline passes, the following measures will be enforced:
- Summary trials via mobile courts.
- Legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
- Confiscation of encroaching materials.
Authorities emphasised that these measures are mandatory and non-negotiable, reinforcing the need for compliance to safeguard pedestrians and restore access to public thoroughfares.
Key Details of DMP Encroachment Drive
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Authority | Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) |
| Targeted Structures | Restaurants, workshops, welding shops, retail stores |
| Problem | Footpath and road encroachments; obstruction of pedestrians |
| Deadline | 1 April 2026 |
| Enforcement | Mobile courts; summary trials by Special/Executive Magistrates |
| Penalties | Imprisonment, fines, confiscation of goods |
| Objective | Ensure public safety, reduce traffic hazards, restore lawful order |
Strategic Significance
The initiative forms part of Dhaka’s broader urban modernisation plan, aiming to improve pedestrian rights, ease congestion, and uphold law and order in one of South Asia’s most densely populated cities. By taking decisive action against street-level encroachment, the DMP aims to foster safer, more accessible public spaces while signalling a zero-tolerance stance on violations of urban regulations.
Citizens and businesses are urged to comply promptly to avoid legal consequences and support a more orderly, pedestrian-friendly Dhaka.