It should surprise anyone who is looking for a breathing space literally in various parts of the capital amidst a concrete jungle that the city has really become, to know that the Matiur Rahman Park, which the Mayor terms as “open space” would be used to resettle hawkers. The hawkers, who are going to be evicted from various parts of Gulistan-Banga Bhaban-Baitul Mukarram area, have been occupying these spots illegally and all attempts to remove them have proved futile.
That the Mayor of Dhaka South has considered relocating the hawkers is a very good idea indeed. These pavement markets have been there for a long time. They not only provide livelihood for many low income groups, they also offer many goods at cheaper prices affordable to the middle and low income groups. There is thus a demand for such a facility. And doing away with them without providing an alternative would adversely affect both the sellers and the buyers. But is the alternative of the so called “open space” as described by the Mayor the best?
Open spaces in Dhaka city are being continually occupied by the rich and the powerful and there is very little left of it. And just because it is described in official documents as an open space does not condemn it to the fate that it will face once the Mayor's plan is carried out. And for those who are conversant with the area would know that this “open space” was actually a part of Banga Bhaban that was ceded for public use as a park.
The Mayor's intention is noble, but that should be implemented in a manner that would save the “open space” and rehabilitate the hawkers as well.