A joint eviction drive at the Joydevpur rail crossing—one of Gazipur’s busiest traffic hubs—failed to yield lasting results as illegal occupants returned within an hour of the operation's conclusion on Monday, March 30.
The drive was conducted by the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), the District Administration, and Bangladesh Railway to clear illegal shops, temporary structures, and hawkers. For years, the area has been plagued by encroachment and chaotic auto-rickshaw parking, causing significant public suffering.
Gazipur City Corporation Administrator, Md. Shawkat Hossain Sarkar, led the initial phase of the operation. He stated that the drive is part of a broader goal to transform Gazipur into a "clean and green city."
"This is an ongoing process, not a one-day event," the Administrator said. "We will conduct daily mobile courts and impose fines to ensure these areas remain clear."
However, witnesses reported that as soon as the Administrator and accompanying officials left the site, the enforcement activities halted. Shortly after, hawkers and shopkeepers began reclaiming their previous positions.
Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of follow-through. While they initially welcomed the move, many now question the effectiveness of such "temporary" initiatives without constant monitoring.
In response to the quick re-occupation, GCC Chief Executive Officer Md. Sohel Hasan clarified that Monday's action was only a "partial" drive.
"We will conduct a full-scale eviction within the next 2 to 12 days," Hasan said. "The Joydevpur crossing is the heart of Gazipur. We have a comprehensive plan to modernize the area, renovate sidewalks, and improve traffic flow."
Meanwhile, evicted floating traders expressed concern over their livelihoods, urging the authorities to provide a designated rehabilitation zone before enforcing a permanent ban.
