The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a fresh public warning instructing individuals, construction firms, and institutions to immediately remove all construction-related materials from roads and pavements across the capital, cautioning that failure to comply will trigger strict legal enforcement measures.
In an official public notice signed by Acting Commissioner of Police Mohammad Sarwar, the DMP said it has observed a rising trend of construction materials being indiscriminately stored on public roads and footpaths by both private and public entities. Authorities warned that such practices are severely disrupting traffic flow and forcing pedestrians into unsafe conditions across multiple areas of Dhaka.
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Citywide Enforcement Campaign Planned
The DMP confirmed that a coordinated citywide enforcement campaign will soon be launched, involving the traffic division and executive magistrates operating mobile courts. The objective of the drive will be to clear illegal encroachments and ensure compliance with existing laws governing the use of public spaces.
Officials stated that the operation will specifically target construction materials left on roads and pavements, including sand, bricks, steel rods, cement, scaffolding equipment, and other building supplies commonly seen obstructing urban mobility.
Legal Provisions Under Enforcement
The notice highlighted that the unauthorised occupation of public roads and footpaths is a punishable offence under existing legislation. The relevant legal framework includes:
| Law | Sections | Nature of Offence |
|---|---|---|
| DMP Ordinance, 1976 | Sections 67, 68, 72, 102 | Obstruction of public space and traffic movement |
| Road Transport Act, 2018 | Sections 37, 82 | Illegal occupation of roadways and pedestrian areas |
The DMP warned that continued violations would result in fines, removal of materials, and possible confiscation of property used in obstruction.
Growing Pressure on Urban Infrastructure
Authorities noted that the misuse of roads and footpaths has become a persistent problem in Dhaka’s rapidly expanding urban environment. Construction activities, often lacking proper site management, frequently extend beyond designated boundaries, creating bottlenecks for vehicles and hazardous conditions for pedestrians.
Officials stressed that the problem is particularly severe in densely populated residential and commercial zones, where narrow streets and high traffic volume exacerbate the impact of such encroachments.
Appeal for Compliance and Cooperation
In its statement, the DMP urged all stakeholders—including individual property owners, developers, and construction contractors—to comply immediately with the directive and clear any materials placed on public walkways and roads.
The police also called for broader public cooperation, emphasising that maintaining order in the capital requires shared responsibility between enforcement agencies and citizens. Authorities reiterated that civic discipline is essential for ensuring safe and efficient urban mobility.
Monitoring and Surprise Inspections
Law enforcement officials confirmed that dedicated monitoring teams will be deployed across key locations in Dhaka to identify violations. Surprise inspections will be carried out as part of the enforcement strategy, with on-the-spot penalties expected for non-compliance.
The DMP further stated that the initiative forms part of a wider effort to improve traffic management and pedestrian safety in the capital, where congestion and encroachment continue to pose significant challenges.
Outlook
As Dhaka continues to undergo rapid infrastructure development, authorities believe stricter enforcement of existing regulations is essential to maintaining order in public spaces. The upcoming crackdown signals a more assertive stance by law enforcement aimed at reducing congestion, improving safety standards, and ensuring more disciplined use of the city’s limited road and pavement infrastructure.