BNP factions challenge AL control over Dhaka slums and footpaths

In Dhaka, the shifting political dynamics have led to new factions competing for control over slums and footpaths. Groups aligned with the BNP are challenging areas previously dominated by the Awami League (AL). Their efforts are focused on seizing shanties, shops, and AL-affiliated clubs and offices within the slums. In some cases, these new groups have retreated following warnings from BNP leaders and government officials, reports The Daily Star.

In response, citizen groups, including students, have become increasingly involved in resisting extortionists. Controlling the slums is significant as these areas are often used by political parties to rally support and organize processions in exchange for money.

Additionally, AL-affiliated syndicates have made substantial profits through illegal operations in the slums, such as unauthorized gas and electricity supplies facilitated by corrupt city utility personnel.

The Daily Star’s investigation into five slums in Dhaka revealed that new factions are targeting properties previously controlled by AL supporters. 

In Karail, the largest slum in Dhaka‍‍`s Banani area, a new group has taken over numerous shanties and shops from pro-AL individuals. They have also vandalized and looted some of these properties.

A local AL leader from the Bou Bazar unit in Karail, who has since gone into hiding, reported that his shop was targeted but the assailants were unsuccessful in breaking in. He expressed fear for the safety of his business due to the ongoing political upheaval.

Another trader, formerly associated with the AL Bou Bazar unit, stated that pro-BNP individuals are pressuring him to leave the slum. He recently invested heavily in building shanties but now faces threats due to his past political affiliations.

In Sattola slum, pro-BNP figures have taken control from AL supporters. 

Md Momin, claiming leadership of the Jubo Dal Sattola unit, and Saddam Hossain of the Banani thana Jubo Dal unit, were observed inside an AL office in the slum. Saddam recounted being forced out by pro-AL supporters in 2014 and now lives in the office after his return.

Momin asserted that they have expelled AL members and informed tenants previously under AL control that they no longer need to pay rent.

In Kalyanpur Pora Bosti, a faction led by Ripon, the brother of a BNP leader, allegedly seized control of 100 shanties in early August, vandalizing AL-affiliated offices and properties. Ripon did not respond to requests for comment. 

However, the Darussalam Thana BNP convener, Syed Abu Bakkar Siddique Saju, promised immediate action in response to such incidents. Following this, many shanties were reportedly returned to their residents.

In Abul‍‍`s slum, known as "Abuler Bosti," a new group has also targeted properties previously under AL control, resulting in vandalism.

A long-time resident of the Bhasantek slum, Rubina Begum, remarked that residents are often manipulated by political leaders, who use them as pawns in their power struggles.

Footpath developments

On Dhaka‍‍`s footpaths, changes have been mixed: in some areas, hawkers no longer pay fees, while extortion persists in others. Milon Patwary, general secretary of the Karwan Bazar Pick-up Van Samity, reported that they recently handed over extortionists to students, leading to a temporary halt in fee payments. 

Previously, fees amounted to Tk 1,200 per vehicle per month plus a one-time payment of Tk 10,000-15,000.

Despite this, some traders still pay Tk 200-300 nightly for market access, and a lineman in the Karwan Bazar CNG Stand area continues to collect Tk 6,000-7,000 from footpath vendors. 

Belal Hossain, a cloth seller in Farmgate, mentioned that while payments to local councilor’s men had stopped for a week, this was due to intervention by pro-BNP activists who distributed leaflets instructing vendors not to pay fees.

Arif Chowdhury, president of the Jatiya Hawkers‍‍` Federation, has directed vendors to refuse payments to anyone other than authorized representatives, advising them to report any attempts at extortion to students or the military.