Hawkers slam South Dhaka Mayor Khokon at a protest rally

Dhaka hawkers are continuing to demonstrate against their recent eviction from the capital's Gulistan and adjacent areas.

On Sunday, the Bangladesh Hawkers' Union took out a rally from Paltan marching through Bangabazar and streets along the National Press Club.

It ended in front of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosuqe, where the demonstrators held a rally.

Addressing the rally, hawker leaders came down hard on Dhaka South City Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon for the eviction without rehabilitating them.

"The mayor begged for votes from hawkers before the election and now that it's over, he is ignoring us and destroying our livelihoods," said Shahid Khan, a leader of the Hawkers' Union.

Warning Mayor Khokon of dire consequences, he said that they would intensify their agitations.

"You may not be able to stay in office anymore."

Another leader Shafiqur Rahman Babul said: "We will not clear the streets until our demand is met." He announced another protest rally for Monday.

City corporation authorities have evicted hawkers from the footpaths at Gulistan and adjacent areas after Jan 15 in keeping with the Mayor Khokon's announcement made three days earlier.

Hawkers are however, allowed to run their business after 6pm in the areas and throughout the day on weekends and holidays.

Hawkers have been demonstrating since then.