United News of Bangladesh

Footpaths are meant to provide safe and accessible spaces for pedestrians, but in Dhaka they often serve a very different purpose. Street vendors and hawkers occupy much of the space, selling everything from fruits and snacks to clothes and shoes. Construction materials are frequently piled up, while motorcyclists and cyclists use the walkways to dodge traffic on the main roads, turning pedestrians’ movement into a daily challenge. Still, there is some hope for those struggling to walk through these encroachments, as the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has taken an initiative to make parts of the city walkable again. The DNCC has decided to deploy 400 armed Ansar members to keep the city’s footpaths permanently free from illegal occupation. “The main objective of deploying Ansar members on the footpaths is to ensure that no one can reoccupy them after eviction drives. Once the armed Ansar members are stationed, illegal occupiers will not be able to return,” DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz Ahmed told UNB. He said that from this month, around 50 armed Ansar members will initially be deployed in selected areas, including Uttara, Mirpur and the Farmgate footbridges and surrounding zones. By November, the deployment will expand to a total of 400 members within the DNCC’s jurisdiction. Expenses for the deployment of Ansar members will be covered by the DNCC’s own fund. Years of negligence behind Dhaka’s waterlogging: DNCC administrator Responding to a query, Ejaz Ahmed said, “Over the past seven months, more than 100 magistrate-led eviction drives have been carried out at different points in areas like Uttara, Mirpur, and Farmgate. However, within days, the footpaths are re-occupied by illegal vendors. With armed Ansar on duty, we expect to prevent this recurrence.” Asked about the impact on small vendors who might lose their livelihoods due to the evictions, he said, “We have planned to introduce selective holiday markets where small traders can legally operate on weekends or designated days. This will help them continue their businesses in an organised way.” Clearing footpaths of illegal encroachments remains a major challenge, as they serve as a means of livelihood for low-income people and a source of extortion for influential quarters. During the tenure of the previous Awami League government, local leaders and activists affiliated with the ruling party were widely accused of collecting daily, weekly and monthly ‘tolls’ from small traders operating along the city’s footpaths. Street vendors also alleged that a portion of these collections went to members of law enforcement agencies. After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, the alleged extortion came to a halt. The illegal practice, however, allegedly resumed in most parts of Dhaka from the beginning of this year and this time under the banner of a major political party and its affiliated organisations. During recent visits to several areas including Mirpur, Uttara, Motijheel, Paltan and Gulistan, it was found that street vendors are once again being forced to pay ‘tolls’. DNCC to build two bridges over Narai River connecting Aftabnagar, Banasree Talking to UNB, many traders said they had to pay such extortion money to Awami League leaders during the previous regime, but the system briefly stopped after the political changeover last year. They alleged that leaders and activists of a particular political party and its front organisations are now involved in the same practice. Several footpath hawkers said they are compelled to make daily payments ranging from Tk 50 to Tk 500 depending on the location and nature of their business. Those who refuse to pay the demanded ‘tolls’ face harassment or eviction from their trading spots, they alleged. “No matter who is in power, we have to pay. The faces and political colours may change, but the extortion never stops. It’s a continuous system run by politically connected groups,” said a trader in Mirpur Section-10, preferring not to be named. Ashis Kumar Dey, president of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways, said that leaders and activists of political parties, particularly those from the ruling side, have long been involved in footpath extortion. He alleged that a section of dishonest police officers and city corporation officials are also complicit. “Awami League and its affiliated organisations carried out such activities for about 15 and half years. Since the change of power on 5 August 2024, the Awami League has disappeared from the scene. No political party is in power now, yet extortion continues. Unfortunately, the authorities have failed to stop it,” he said. Urban experts and rights advocates say both the city corporations and the police are well aware of the ongoing extortion but remain largely inactive. DNCC removes 20,889 tonnes of sacrificial waste in three days: Administrator They said freeing footpaths from illegal occupation and curbing organised extortion have become urgent to restore civic order, protect public property and uphold good governance in the capital. Commenting on extortion from footpath vendors, DNCC Administrator Ejaz Ahmed said, “Extortionists use the names of political parties to collect money in three ways -- first, for setting up shops; second, for providing illegal electricity and water connections; and third, for so-called night security. Once the footpaths are freed and guarded by armed Ansar, this extortion will stop.” The administrator expressed optimism that the initiative would ensure free movement for pedestrians and bring discipline to the city’s public spaces.

All waste generated on the day of Eid-ul-Azha will be removed within the same day to keep the city clean, said Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz on Wednesday. “Nearly 20,000 tonnes of waste is expected to be produced this Eid. To ensure swift removal, around 10,000 workers from the city corporation will be deployed over a three-day period,” he said in response to journalists' question following a visit to the Aminbazar landfill site. All preparations for waste management during Eid have been completed, the DNCC administrator said. DNCC to collaborate with volunteers for conservation, greening of 33 canals in Dhaka A total of 224 dump trucks, 381 pickup vans, and 24 payloaders will be engaged in continuous operation during the clean-up. To support proper waste disposal, DNCC has distributed 1.25 million polythene bags, 2,500 sacks of bleaching powder and 4,000 cans of Savlon disinfectant, he added. “Besides, a dedicated platform has been prepared at the Aminbazar landfill for dumping sacrificial animal waste, and two trenches have been excavated to ensure environmentally sound waste disposal,” he said, adding that a monitoring team comprising DNCC officials and staff has also been formed to oversee the waste management operation. Heatstroke Center opened at DNCC Dedicated Covid Mohakhali Hospital As per the plan, sacrificial waste will first be collected and brought to Secondary Transfer Stations (STS), from where it will be transported to the Aminbazar landfill for final disposal, he added.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has dismissed as misleading the social media criticism accusing the government of bias for deploying a water-spraying vehicle at a rally led by the National Citizen Party (NCP) in front of the InterContinental Hotel in the capital. In a press release issued on Friday (May 9), DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz clarified that the water-spraying vehicle was deployed purely for public health reasons, in response to the ongoing heatwave in Dhaka. NCP calls for ‘greater rally’ after Jummah prayer demanding AL ban He stated, “Due to the extreme heat over the past several days, DNCC has been deploying water spray vehicles in any area experiencing large gatherings — not just rallies but also busy markets and terminal areas — to reduce heat stress on people.”

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate alleged irregularities and procedural flaws in the leasing out process of the Gabtoli cattle market. The move follows multiple media reports highlighting corruption and procedural lapses in the lease and tender cancellation process. Transport for London to provide technical assistance to DNCC According to a DNCC press release issued on Sunday morning, the administrator directed that a probe committee be formed to conduct a thorough investigation. On April 30, a team from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), led by Assistant Director Rubel Hasan, conducted a drive in connection with the case. During the operation, the DNCC administrator instructed city corporation officials to extend full cooperation to the ACC team.  

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has finally taken possession of its share in the Sheraton Hotel building in Banani, Dhaka, bringing an end to a decade-long deadlock over share distribution in the Borak-DNCC. The official handover was marked by the signing of a possession transfer agreement between Sheraton Hotel authorities and DNCC at the Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan on Wednesday. DNCC CEO Abu Sayed Md Kamruzzaman signed the agreement on behalf of the city corporation, while Borak Real Estate Ltd CEO Gazi Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain signed on behalf of his company. Describing the signing as a “historic milestone,” DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said, “What I have accomplished today will be remembered by the people of Dhaka. This is a historic achievement.” When asked why previous officials failed to resolve the issue, he responded, “It wasn’t just negligence—I'm astonished. Why couldn’t they do it when I could? The city corporation has lost a substantial amount of revenue over the years, and the responsibility lies with those who were in leadership. The officers can’t be blamed for this.” Garment sector resumes regular production after Eid: BGMEA Regarding other unresolved asset-sharing issues, Ejaz added, “There are also disputes over the share distribution in the Nagar Bhaban and the City Centre. I will address them one by one. My job is to secure the state’s rightful stake wherever it exists to uphold public interest. That’s exactly what I’m doing.” Notably, since 2015, Borak Real Estate had repeatedly urged the DNCC to claim its share in the Sheraton Hotel building. However, the then-DNCC administration reportedly failed to take possession.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has expressed concern over the filling of a water reservoir near the Airport Railway Station fearing a severe waterlogging in a vast area including Uttara Sectors 3 and 4 and a large area of the Civil Aviation during the upcoming monsoon. DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz expressed this concern while visiting the development works at the Ashkona Rail Gate adjacent to the Airport Railway Station and its surrounding areas on Monday. “We are apprehending a major waterlogging in the entire (DNCC) ward-50. The spot where we are standing now was a water reservoir. But it was filled due to the construction works of the three big mega projects,” he said. He said the railway authority and elevated expressway authority and all others filled the water reservoir. 5,500 volunteers to work with DNCC to curb mosquito menace: DNCC administrator "If there is no coordination (among the DNCC and the authorities concerned) and there is a heavy rain, the entire airport road will go underwater. There will be waterlogging in Uttara Sectors 3 and 4 and this entire place of the civil aviation,” said Mohammad Azaz. He said they came there to create water channels there for rain water so that the magnitude of waterlogging is not so high. The DNCC administrator hoped that the project authorities will restore the water reservoir as there are many KPIs including airport there. He said a water reservoir is filled during the implementation of a project, but later the project implementers forget that there was a water reservoir there and don’t restore it. Then they want make it a field or build a market or commercial establishments there, he said. In this context, he said Bangladesh Railway, Dhaka Elevated Expressway and Dhaka North City Corporation will work together to resolve waterlogging in the Airport-Ashkona area during the upcoming monsoon season. "As work on several mega projects is ongoing, we are afraid of severe waterlogging this year, so preparations are being made to drain the maximum water before the monsoon," he said. The DNCC administrator said that reservoirs are essential to mitigate major urban floods caused by climate change. Trade licences to be revoked if businesses occupy footpaths: DNCC Administrator He requested all concerned not to fill the reservoirs during the development project implementation. “If they do, they should restore reservoirs on completion of the project works,” he added. DNCC Chief Executive Officer Abu Sayeed Md Kamruzzaman, Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin, among others, were present.

Five more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 509 this year. Among the recent fatalities, two took place in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), while one occurred in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and two in Dhaka Division (outside the city corporations). During the period, 629 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). This year’s death toll from dengue surpasses 500 Of them, 112 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 92 were hospitalised in Dhaka South City Corporation. As of now, 2,431 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Since January 1, 2024, a total of 94,314 dengue cases have been reported. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 1,705 people, making it the deadliest year on record. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), there were 321,179 dengue cases and 318,749 recoveries in 2023.

Five more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 193 this year. During the period, 981 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 196 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 180 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation.  Read: Two more die of dengue; 1,218 hospitalised Some 3,384 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 38,789 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year. Read more: Dengue: 4 more die, 1,225 hospitalised in 24hrs

A move is underway to acquire a 50-acre piece of land by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to develop a modern waste management facility alongside the existing Landfill Site (LFS) in the city’s Amin Bazar area. According to official sources, the new site will be an expansion of the current LFS, which was also developed on 50 acres of land.   The current LFS in Amin Bazar is close to being filled up with the waste collected from the areas under DNCC. “The LFS in Amin Bazar is overfilled and went to 80 feet high from the level. Now it has become risky for workers to further fill the land with waste,” Captain Mohammad Fida Hasan, Chief Waste Management Officer of the DNCC, told UNB. DNCC completes sacrificial animal waste removal on second day of Eid He said the DNCC has completed all the necessary procedures to receive the land from the district administration once the allotted fund is released by the Finance Ministry. The DNCC will need Tk 450 crore from the GoB (Government of Bangladesh) fund to acquire the land. Fida Hasan also informed that the new LFS will be developed alongside the establishment of the proposed 42.5 MW Waste-to-Energy power plant which is expected to start power generation from July 2026. When such a power plant is being developed as part of the waste management system, why is such a new LFS required?-responding to such a question, the DNCC Chief Waste Management Officer said that the new site will have different facilities like electronic waste management, medicate waste treatment, and solid waste management. This will require new land to develop the facilities, which also include establishment of a training centre and vehicle parking area. Currently, Dhaka city is collecting 3,000 mts of solid waste from different areas which is about 80 percent of the total waste. DNCC completes 100% removal of sacrificial animal waste within deadline As per a plan, this total waste will be supplied to the Waste to Energy project daily while CMEC will set up an incineration plant to generate 42.5 MW power and BPDB will purchase the electricity from the plant at US21.78 Cents, equivalent to Tk 18.295, per kilowatt hour (each unit) over a period of 25 years. But DNCC officials said if any additional wastes are collected, those will be filled in the new modern LFS. They also said this new system will be developed under its “New Clean Dhaka Master Plan 2018–2032” which was envisioned to introduce “Environmentally Advanced City with Integrated and Sustainable Solid Waste Management: Toward Zero-Waste”. According to the Master Plan, the core target of the DNCC is collecting more waste generated at households by increasing the collection capacity, reducing waste by introducing waste separation and recycling, and minimizing the volume of the remaining waste that goes to the LFS with intermediate treatment so that the lifespan of LFS can be extended. This Master Plan highlights four indicators: waste collection, waste reduction, recycling, and to quantitatively monitor landfill disposal. Read more: E-Waste Crisis: Effects of Electronic Waste on Environment and Human Health

The Appellate Division on Monday (January 22, 2024) upheld the High Court order that ordered demolition of the Gulshan Shopping Centre in Dhaka's Gulshan-1 within 30 days. A five-member bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, passed the order following a petition filed by the owners challenging the HC order. In July 2023, two companies namely Bani Chitra and Films filed a writ seeking the HC directive to demolish Gulshan Shopping Centre citing safety concerns. HC issues rule on inaction of the authorities to control fireworks and lanterns Following the writ, on Dec 13, the HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Ataullah ordered the demolition of the center within a month. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Rajuk and others were asked to implement this directive. On July 13, 2023, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) in a mobile court drive sealed off the shopping centre as it was found risky. HC orders Dhaka court to hear bail pleas of Mirza Abbas, Annie Regional Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Zulkar Nayan and Executive Magistrate Md Mahbub Hasan conducted the mobile court. In 2021, the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence declared the market risky and abandoned due to the dilapidated building and lack of fire fighting system and sent a letter to the DNCC to take legal action regarding the issue on an urgent basis. Young woman gang-raped while looking for rented home in Ctg; 1 arrested Zulkar Nayan, regional executive officer and executive magistrate of Zone-3, said, "The shop owners were instructed repeatedly to vacate the building to prevent any kind of humanitarian disaster as the Gulshan-1 shopping centre is risky, but they did not vacate it."