Witnessing the sorry state of Bangladesh’s footpaths, many jokingly remark, “These aren’t footpaths anymore—they’ve become ‘foot-holes’!”
Commuters who daily cling to overcrowded trains and buses to reach cities like Dhaka generally walk a short distance to their workplaces after disembarking. In such cases, footpaths are their only support—but, alas, there's no relief even there!
The moment you step onto a footpath, you’re met with the nuisance or dominance of hawkers. The situation has worsened to such an extent that these unauthorized vendors have now spilled over beyond the footpaths and into the main roads.
Under the collective power of local thugs, self-styled political leaders, and the hawker syndicates, footpaths have turned into dumping grounds. Even at the sub-district level, reports of footpath encroachments are common.
In other words, footpaths are no longer for pedestrians—they’ve mostly been seized by hawkers and grabbers.
In some places, illegal structures have been erected; in others, makeshift tents with tarpaulins. Elsewhere, motor repair garages operate directly on the sidewalks.
Countless petty businesses have firmly rooted themselves on what were once walkways. And it seems there's no one to stop these wrongdoers.
Occasionally, eviction drives are conducted to clear the footpaths. For a few days afterward, pedestrians can walk freely. But before long, the footpaths are reoccupied. It’s like a never-ending game of cat and mouse—one that’s been played since time immemorial. It's widely believed that those behind the scenes have "long arms."
Some of the very officials responsible for keeping the footpaths clear are allegedly complicit, while others offer a range of excuses. Many argue, “Is it right to snatch away someone’s livelihood like this?” Experts often say hawkers should only be evicted after proper rehabilitation arrangements are made.
However, it’s undeniable that due to the occupation of footpaths, pedestrians are forced to walk along the edges of busy roads, which frequently leads to accidents and even fatalities.
Yet the truth is as clear as daylight: if the government or administration had the political will, the footpaths could be cleared in no time.
We often hear about discussions, research, and surveys conducted by public and private sectors in response to calls to reclaim the footpaths. Yet nothing seems to change.
Simply put, the government may spend billions on flyovers, footbridges, underpasses, or subways to reduce traffic congestion, but unless footpaths are cleared first—with proper planning—there will be no improvement in public transport flow, nor will pedestrians enjoy a safe and comfortable commute.
If footpaths are freed from hawkers, everyday commuters will find relief in using public transport. The city’s beauty will be enhanced, and its health restored.
We must remember: in a city paralyzed by traffic, footpaths are the pedestrians’ last refuge. Therefore, the practice of selling, leasing, or renting out footpaths must stop.
The extortionists and rent-collecting thugs must be brought under control. The syndicates must be dismantled. Most importantly, we must restrain those perpetrators who have turned public walkways into breeding grounds of public misery.
