Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chandpur district, Mohammad Mohsin Uddin, has issued a 40-day deadline for hawkers and roadside vendors to vacate roads and footpaths to restore order and reduce severe traffic congestion at Hajiganj Bazar in Chandpur district.

The directive was made during a public consultation meeting held on Saturday at Upazila Parishad hall, organized by upazila administration.

Calling the current situation “unacceptable,” the DC stated, “We’ve made repeated requests, conducted mobile court drives and issued warnings. None of it worked. So, we’re giving you until July 31 to voluntarily vacate. From August 1, we will take strict measures.”

He emphasized that the suffering of half a million people in the upazila cannot continue for the benefit of a few hundred hawkers. “Enough is enough. In the interest of public welfare, we are forced to act firmly,” he added.

The DC also warned that political lobbying on behalf of the hawkers would not be tolerated. “Any political figures trying to intervene will be publicly named. And those collecting illegal tolls from hawkers or renting out public space will face legal consequences,” he said.

He further appealed to formal shopkeepers who are occupying footpaths to clear them immediately and cooperate with the initiative.

Chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Ibne Al Jayed Hossain, the meeting included high-level officials such as Police Superintendent (SP) Muhammad Abdur Rakib and Major Md. Ashiqur Rahman Ashiq from Bangladesh Army.

Leaders from political parties, traders` associations, journalists and hawker representatives were also present.

Speakers at the meeting included local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, NCP, as well as business community figures and hawkers.

Many expressed support for orderly solutions while voicing concerns about livelihoods.

The meeting began with recitations from the Quran and Gita, symbolizing unity and inclusiveness in addressing a community-wide challenge.

Officials said the eviction drive will be followed by broader traffic management initiatives involving public transport and auto-rickshaw regulation; all part of a phased plan to restore mobility and discipline in Hajiganj’s busiest area.