Dhaka: Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Syed Khokon on Monday said the drive to keep the footpaths in Gulistan and its adjoining areas free from hawkers during office hours will continue.

“The south city will conduct eviction drive, no matter what,” said Mayor Khokon while talking to reporters at Nagar Bhaban.

“We won’t tolerate any kind of hindrance during the eviction drive. We’ll remain rigid in our decision, and all the illegal establishments will be evicted from the footpaths,” he said adding, “I’ve assured the hawkers of their rehabilitation and if you (hawkers) create any obstacles, I’ll stop the rehabilitation process.”

On January 11, a decision was taken not to allow any hawker to sit in Gulistan and its adjoining areas during office hours for the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

Protesting the decision, Bangladesh Hawkers’ Union threatened to besiege Nagar Bhaban on Monday.

As part of their scheduled programme, the hawkers tried to move towards the Nagar Bhaban today but police obstructed them and foiled their programme when they reached Golap Shah Mazar point.

Meanwhile, a five-member delegation, including Bangladesh Hawkers’ Union president Abdul Hashem Kabir, submitted a memorandum to the mayor with their 10-point demand.