The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has begun demolishing illegal makeshift shops and structures that had sprung up in Suhrawardy Udyan, a historic public park in the capital. Hundreds of such structures have already been removed, and the eviction drive is ongoing.
The operation began around 9 AM today (Thursday) near the gate adjacent to Dhaka University’s TSC area. It is being led by DSCC Executive Magistrate Md. Aminul Islam.
Dhaka University’s acting estate manager, Fatema Binte Mustafa, was present during the initial phase.
The drive comes in the wake of the recent murder of Shahriar Alam Samyo, a postgraduate student from the Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University.
He was fatally stabbed by assailants near the park’s amphitheater late Tuesday night.
The incident sparked widespread criticism over safety conditions in the park, prompting the government to take immediate steps to enhance security, including today’s eviction operation.
On-site, multiple bulldozers were seen demolishing illegal mobile shops and makeshift structures. A large number of police personnel assisted in the operation.
Street vendors, many of whom had been running businesses in the park for years, expressed frustration over the eviction. “Criminals came from outside, but we are the ones suffering. We didn`t do anything wrong. This shop was our only livelihood,” said Roni Mia, a vendor.
When asked about the drive, Executive Magistrate Aminul Islam said, “This is a joint operation by the DSCC, Public Works Department, Dhaka University, Shahbagh Police, and Ansar members. Suhrawardy Udyan is a national park visited by a large number of people, including women and children. Our aim is to ensure they can move safely and freely. All illegal structures are being removed.”
