Bangladesh rolls out Dhaka hawker policy banning vending on main roads

Dhaka South City Corporation will register and rehabilitate hawkers under a new government policy while barring vending on main roads, administrator Md Abdus Salam said.

Salam said orderly hawker management is necessary to protect livelihoods, pedestrian access, and traffic movement. “Hawkers will not be allowed to sit on main roads under any circumstances,” he said.

Registered vendors may operate only in designated areas and during approved hours, with at least 1.5 meters of footpath kept open. The policy sets a one-time registration fee of Tk 5,000 (approximately $40.98), an annual renewal fee of Tk 2,500 (approximately $20.49), and a monthly space-use and waste management fee of Tk 3,000 (approximately $24.59).

Holiday and night markets will be introduced for other vendors. Thirty percent of allocated space will be reserved for women and people with disabilities. Unlicensed or noncompliant vendors may face eviction and cancellation of registration.