Dhaka south hawkers to felicitate PM to demand rehabilitation

Hawkers demanding rehabilitation and a protective law have decided to press on with their agitation programme, which includes felicitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

At a press conference on Thursday at the Topkhana Road Shaheed Asad Auditorium, the hawker leaders from the united platform of 16 hawker organisations – the Hawker Coordination Council – said the Dhaka South City Corporation is violating clear orders from her to rehabilitate the hawkers before eviction.

They have also threatened to initiate legal proceedings against Dhaka South City Mayor Sayeed Khokon if the eviction continues in the present manner.  

Association coordinator Abul Hossain made it clear: "We cannot accept exile in the name of rehabilitation."

The hawkers have been protesting against their eviction from Motijheel, Gulistan, Paltan and other areas of the capital. They have been demanding rehabilitation and a law for their protection. 

They want any solution to the ongoing agitation must evolve through a dialogue between all MPs of Dhaka and all hawker leaders.

At the press conference, they reiterated their demand for the promulgation of a law to protect the interests of the hawkers.

Hossain alleged that the hawkers are being evicted to protect the interests of big traders. 

He said Hasina had clearly directed the city corporation for the construction of a 'Holiday Market' and a multi-storey building to protect the footpath hawkers during an ECNEC meet on Apr 19 last year.

"But the city corporation is using force in an almost crazy fashion to drive out the hawkers," he alleged.

He said the prime minister is scheduled to attend an event on Jan 22 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium during which they plan to accord 'a warm reception' to her.

They plan to submit memorandums to various public representatives and to hold demonstrations to get attention to their demands.

They have also planned a mega hawkers' gathering in Dhaka.