Shafiqur Rahman calls for alternative spaces for small traders

After inspecting the scene at 5 pm on Wednesday, he told journalists that it is important to keep roads and footpaths suitable for movement. However, evicting small traders alone will not provide a permanent solution to the problem. Suitable alternative places must be designated for them and they must be given the opportunity to do business there.

He said roads are for vehicles and footpaths are for pedestrians. But due to a lack of social discipline, businesses being run there are increasing suffering and the risk of accidents for ordinary people's movement.

Regarding small traders, Shafiqur Rahman said that driven by livelihood needs, many people from various parts of the country have come to Dhaka and become involved in business. Many of them have to pay extortion at various levels. This situation must be ended and opportunities for business must be created in designated places.

He said, before the election, there was talk of a sustainable and integrated solution to this problem. If specific places are allocated for small traders, they will be able to do business there and the city corporation will receive taxes at reasonable rates. However, extortion of any kind should not be allowed to continue.

Raising the context of various recent unwanted incidents in Mirpur, he called for effective measures against illegal occupation, extortion, and corruption. He also said that those involved in crimes should be brought under the law and punished.

At that time, central and metropolitan leaders of Jamaat as well as local leaders were present.