For the first time, the government has introduced an official policy framework for managing hawkers in Dhaka, aiming to reduce long-standing disorder, traffic congestion and public inconvenience caused by the occupation of footpaths and roads, reports BSS.
The Local Government Division issued a notification on Wednesday outlining the “Dhaka City Hawker Rehabilitation Policy 2026”.
The policy sets out guidelines for hawker registration, operation within designated zones, and the introduction of holiday and night markets.
Stakeholders say the initiative could help restore urban order through planned management while also protecting the livelihoods of marginalised communities.
At present, large sections of Dhaka’s footpaths and roads are occupied by mobile and temporary vendors. In many areas, footpaths are completely blocked, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads, increasing accident risks and worsening traffic congestion.
Until now, the absence of a dedicated policy allowed hawkers to set up businesses almost anywhere. The government says the new framework is intended to bring greater discipline and regulation to the system.
The policy’s main objective is to ensure smooth pedestrian movement on footpaths and public spaces while bringing hawkers under a formal registration system and permitting business operations only in designated areas.
Under the new rules, hawker registration will be mandatory. A “Hawker Management Committee” will be formed under the city corporation to oversee the process and issue smart cards or identity cards for a specified period.
Applicants must be Bangladeshi citizens aged at least 18. Only one licence will be issued per family, and the registered individual must personally operate the business. Allocated spaces cannot be rented out or transferred.
The policy also sets clear conditions for selecting vending locations. Hawkers will only be allowed to operate in areas where at least five to six feet of space remains open for pedestrian movement after stalls are installed.
In addition, the government plans to introduce “Holiday Markets” and “Night Markets”. Holiday markets will operate in designated areas on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays, while night markets will be allowed in commercial zones after office hours.
Women and persons with disabilities will receive priority in the allocation of spaces in these markets, according to the policy.
The framework further states that hawkers will not be allowed to build permanent structures, and all goods must be removed after designated operating hours each day. Violators may face legal action, including licence cancellation, while unlicensed hawkers may be evicted without prior notice.
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam said the policy was introduced to restore urban discipline and ensure safe pedestrian movement. However, he acknowledged that limited space means not all hawkers can be rehabilitated, adding that the number of vendors permitted in each area will be determined through planning.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
