Md. Mohibbullah Hawladar, Pirojpur District Correspondent

The upazila administration has conducted a drive against businesses occupying footpaths, drains and roads in the municipal town of Vandaria in Pirojpur. During the operation, business owners illegally occupying roads and footpaths were warned that strict legal action would be taken against them if they repeated the practice.

The drive was conducted on Monday (November 2) around noon in the town’s market area by Vandaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Md. Hasibul Hasan.

During the operation, authorities found bags and shoe-display racks hanging over drains in the Jutapatti area, vendors selling fresh produce by occupying footpaths along the main road, tables placed beside the road at the entrance to the fish market to sell vegetables and other fresh produce, and timber stored on the road along Kathpatti Road, obstructing public movement.

These illegal encroachments had caused difficulties for pedestrians and shoppers. During the drive, the concerned business owners were sternly warned to refrain from such encroachments and from creating obstructions.

Members of the police and Ansar forces, municipal officials and employees, Md. Abul Kalam Azad Jomaddar, organisational secretary of Vandaria Upazila BNP, and leaders of the local market committee were present during the operation.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Hasibul Hasan said strict legal action would be taken against anyone who again occupies footpaths or roads to conduct business illegally. He added that such drives would continue in the public interest.