Bogura footpath chaos deepens amid blame game between authorities

Widespread illegal occupation of footpaths and roads across Bogura town has triggered severe public suffering, with allegations mounting against the district administration, police and city authorities over failure to curb encroachment and extortion.

Large sections of pavements and roads in the historic town are reportedly occupied by permanent and mobile traders, auto-rickshaw drivers and motorcycle repair shops, forcing pedestrians — including women and schoolchildren — onto busy streets and increasing the risk of accidents.

Residents and civic groups have accused the district administration, police and Bogura City Corporation of passing responsibility among themselves instead of taking effective action, describing the situation as a “cat-and-mouse game” among authorities while ordinary citizens continue to suffer.

According to local sources, around 1,100 traders operate daily within an estimated two-square-kilometre area surrounding the town’s central Satmatha intersection. Illegal stalls selling clothes, fruits, snacks, tea, vegetables and fast food have spread across major roads including Station Road, Temple Road, Nawabbari Road, Gohail Road and Circuit House Road.

Investigations also revealed allegations of daily extortion from traders occupying footpaths and roads. Traders reportedly pay between Tk100 and Tk250 per day to different groups, including municipal police, traffic police and intermediaries allegedly coordinating collections.

Critics claim sporadic eviction drives are conducted only to ease media pressure, with traders returning shortly after operations end.

Concerns have also been raised over security inside the court premises, where temporary vendors allegedly continue operating despite carrying sharp tools such as knives and scissors.

Traffic Inspector Md Salekuzzaman said police were making “maximum efforts” to ease congestion, but claimed a lack of support from municipal authorities and executive magistrates hindered sustained enforcement.

Bogura City Corporation Market Inspector Abdul Hai said drives against illegal occupation were ongoing, but stressed that cooperation from all agencies was necessary.

Local residents, including government employees, lawyers, teachers and businesspeople, alleged that no footpath in the town remained free from encroachment and claimed some businesses operated through illegal “leasing” arrangements backed by influential quarters.

Environmental and governance campaigners also criticised the authorities. Leaders of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and Shushashoner Jonno Procharabhijan (SUPRO) said there was little evidence of genuine commitment from the administration or police to reclaim public spaces.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic and Media) Atowar Rahman said strict action would be taken if any police member was found involved in illegal activities.

Additional District Magistrate Md Masud Hossain acknowledged that coordinated planning among the district administration, police, Roads and Highways Department and City Corporation was essential to restore order in the town.

He added that mobile courts alone could not solve the problem and admitted that enforcement operations were sometimes obstructed by offenders with “special influence”.

Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Imrul Kayes said greater public awareness and respect for the law were necessary, adding that police already had legal authority to impose fines that could significantly reduce public suffering if properly enforced.

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