DMP Traffic Division Conducts Anti-Encroachment Drive in Dhaka

The traffic Lalbagh division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has carried out an enforcement drive to clear unauthorized occupations from footpaths and roads in the Babubazar and Badamtoli areas of Dhaka. The operation, which took place on August 26, marked the second consecutive day of actions led by the traffic division in coordination with relevant municipal authorities to restore order in the bustling commercial districts.

During the ongoing operations, law enforcement personnel took strict legal action against traffic violations and unauthorized structures. According to official statements from the DMP traffic Lalbagh division, the sweep resulted in twenty-one formal cases being filed against trucks and other illegal vehicles operating within the restricted zones. In addition to the legal filings, authorities imposed approximately one lakh taka in fines for these infractions. Furthermore, the operation led to the detention of a single shop owner who was found operating a rice hotel on the footpath.

Elaborating on the nature of the infractions, officials explained that the primary triggers for the legal actions were illegal parking and severe road obstruction caused by vehicles that had no authorization to remain in the area. Under current directives issued by the commissioner, heavy vehicles are strictly subjected to designated time restrictions. These regulations stipulate that heavy transport vehicles are only permitted to enter the zone after 10:00 PM and must completely exit the area by 8:00 AM the following morning. Authorities confirmed that any heavy vehicle found operating outside of these designated hours is subjected to immediate legal penalties.

Addressing the persistent traffic congestion in the commercial hubs, officials specifically highlighted the infrastructural layout around the Babubazar Bridge. According to observations shared during the operation, the staircases designated for ascending and descending the bridge serve as major contributors to localized traffic bottlenecks. Compounding this issue is the misuse of commercial transport, where trucks are frequently repurposed as mobile storefronts. Traders have been observed leaving trucks stationary on the roadways, opening the rear cargo sections, and conducting retail sales directly from the vehicles, which occupies the thoroughfares for extended periods and severely disrupts normal traffic flow.

As the anti-encroachment campaign progresses, the traffic Lalbagh division has issued a clear directive to local business operators and transporters. Authorities have firmly instructed traders to vacate the public roadways immediately to prevent further disruptions to public commuting and commercial transit. The DMP has signaled that monitoring and enforcement will continue as part of broader efforts to keep the footpaths and roads of Babubazar and Badamtoli entirely free from illegal occupation.