Publication Date: October 12, 2026

Barishal Correspondent:

Barishal City Corporation (BCC) has launched an eviction drive in the important Chowmatha area of Barishal city to remove illegal shops and temporary structures occupying roads and footpaths. The drive aims to ensure smooth movement for pedestrians and keep footpaths accessible to the public. During the operation, various shops and temporary structures were removed. Reports also indicate that more than 50 makeshift shops, including iron-box stalls occupying part of the Dhaka–Kuakata Highway, were cleared.

The operation began at around 11:00 am on Sunday, October 11, in front of Chowmatha Market and continued until approximately 11:45 am. The eviction drive was subsequently extended to nearby areas, including the frontage of Government Syed Hatem Ali College and the area adjacent to Chowmatha Lake. The operation was led by Md. Raihan Uz Zaman, an executive magistrate of Barishal City Corporation.

Eviction Drive Begins at Chowmatha Market

Chowmatha is an important commercial and transportation hub in Barishal city. The market, shops, educational institutions and other businesses in the area attract a large number of people every day. As a result, shops occupying roads and footpaths can create difficulties for pedestrians and disrupt vehicular movement.

At the beginning of the operation, the city corporation took action against temporary shops and structures occupying roads and footpaths in front of Chowmatha Market. The drive was later extended to surrounding areas.

According to information published by news outlets, iron-box stalls installed along the Dhaka–Kuakata Highway near Chowmatha City Market were also targeted. The Daily Campus reported that 20 box stalls used by fruit vendors were dismantled. The same report also mentioned the removal of more than 50 small and large makeshift shops.

The operation is part of the city corporation’s ongoing efforts to control temporary structures occupying roads and footpaths, according to statements from the relevant officials.

Operation Extended to Hatem Ali College and Chowmatha Lake

After the operation began in front of Chowmatha Market, eviction activities were carried out at several other important locations nearby, including the frontage of Government Syed Hatem Ali College and the area adjacent to Chowmatha Lake.

Keeping roads and footpaths clear in front of educational institutions is particularly important. Students, guardians, teachers, local residents and other pedestrians use these areas every day. When footpaths are obstructed, pedestrians are often forced to walk on the main road, increasing the risk of accidents involving vehicles and potentially disrupting traffic.

The area surrounding Chowmatha Lake is also important for public movement and the urban environment. Keeping roads and footpaths clear in these locations can make it easier for people to move around and improve the overall management of the area.

However, whether these locations will remain free of encroachment in the long term will depend on regular monitoring and follow-up measures after the eviction drive.

Executive Magistrate Leads the Operation

The eviction drive was conducted under the leadership of Md. Raihan Uz Zaman, an executive magistrate of Barishal City Corporation. Latikullah, head of the corporation’s eviction branch; Aziz Shaheen of the trade licence department; and Rezaul, head of the markets branch, were also present during the operation.

Speaking to journalists after the drive, Executive Magistrate Md. Raihan Uz Zaman said eviction operations were being conducted in different parts of the city to keep footpaths free from encroachment and accessible to pedestrians. He said the operation in Chowmatha was part of this ongoing initiative and that similar activities would continue in the future.

The city corporation’s statement indicates that its efforts to clear roads and footpaths are not limited to a single location but are intended to cover different parts of the city.

Repeated Encroachment Raises Questions About a Lasting Solution

Previous eviction drives targeting footpath encroachment in Chowmatha have also been reported by local news outlets. However, complaints have surfaced that shops sometimes return to certain locations within a few days of an operation.

This presents a significant challenge for urban management. Conducting an eviction drive in an area does not necessarily guarantee that order will be maintained over the long term. Without regular monitoring, temporary shops may once again occupy parts of roads and footpaths.

Alongside eviction operations, therefore, regular supervision, enforcement of the law and proper planning for alternative arrangements are necessary. A clear management plan specifying where vendors may operate, which areas must remain reserved for pedestrians and how road use will be regulated could help provide a more lasting solution.

However, before holding any particular individual or group responsible for alleged renewed encroachment after an eviction drive, the relevant authorities’ statements and supporting evidence should be verified.

Livelihoods of Small Traders Also Matter

Although keeping roads and footpaths free from encroachment is necessary, many small traders depend on temporary stalls for their livelihoods. Many earn their daily income by selling fruit, vegetables, essential commodities and other goods.

It is therefore important to consider the circumstances of small traders while maintaining order in the city. Providing designated vending spaces, improving market management and raising awareness about the rules for operating businesses legally could help address the problem more effectively.

Coordination among the city corporation, representatives of traders and local residents could play an important role in this process. However, no specific decision regarding alternative vending locations or the rehabilitation of affected traders was reported as part of this particular operation.

Importance of Clear Footpaths in Reducing Traffic Congestion

Footpaths are designed to provide pedestrians with a safe place to walk. When shops or other structures occupy these spaces, pedestrians are often forced onto the road. Similarly, when sections of roads are used for shops or merchandise storage, the space available for vehicles can become restricted.

This problem is particularly significant in a busy area such as Chowmatha. Shoppers, students, working people and local residents need to travel through the area every day. Ensuring that footpaths are used for their intended purpose can make public movement easier and safer.

Keeping footpaths clear can also make them more accessible to older people, children and individuals who require additional assistance when walking. Proper use of roads and footpaths is essential for developing a safe and well-planned urban environment.

Success Depends on Regular Monitoring

According to the executive magistrate of Barishal City Corporation, efforts to keep footpaths free from encroachment will continue in different parts of the city. Regular monitoring and consistent follow-up measures will be essential to achieving this goal.

Authorities need to monitor whether illegal structures reappear at the locations cleared during the operation. Providing clear information to traders about applicable regulations and establishing effective mechanisms for receiving public complaints could also help identify problems promptly.

Coordinated efforts by the local administration and the city corporation could improve the regulation of road and footpath use, benefiting city residents while helping maintain order in commercial activities.

Expectations of City Residents

To make efforts to keep roads and footpaths free from encroachment effective, eviction drives should be treated as part of regular urban management. In addition to conducting operations, authorities need to prevent renewed encroachment, carry out routine inspections and take action in accordance with the law.

The recent operation cleared the targeted structures from Chowmatha Market, the area in front of Hatem Ali College and the vicinity of Chowmatha Lake. The key question now is whether these locations will remain accessible and what measures will be taken to prevent future encroachment.

Residents hope that Barishal City Corporation will continue implementing the initiative consistently. Such efforts could make pedestrian movement easier, improve road discipline and contribute to a better urban environment throughout the city.