Dhaka North mayor asks foreign missions to clear installations on pavements

The mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation has asked eight foreign missions located in the capital to remove their installations from the walkways along the public thoroughfare.

The letter, signed by the chief executive officer of the mayor’s office, has been sent to the embassies and high commissions of the US, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia and Turkey.

As per the letter, the foreign missions encroached on the public walkway and built security posts barring pedestrians from using the footpath.

DNCC CEO Mesbahul Islam told bdnews24.com on Wednesday, “The pedestrians cannot use pavement in those embassy areas. We want to discuss the matter with them so that the public can use pavement without any obstacle.”

“Many people spoke to the mayor about the issue. Moreover, there is a High Court ruling to keep footpath free for pedestrians,” he added.

“We can discuss how the missions’ security can be strengthened without hampering pedestrians’ free movements. I believe we can come to a solution through discussion.”

The incumbent secretary general of Gulshan Society, Barrister Omar Sadat, filed a writ petition on Feb 11, 2001, upon which the High Court issued a rule on the city corporation to remove all unauthorised structures from the pavements across the capital.

Gulshan Society President ATM Shamsul Huda quoting the HC ruling sent an application to the city mayor on Dec 15 requesting them to take steps to clear the footpaths.