The primary issues facing Narayanganj are traffic congestion and street hawkers. After his recent appointment as the new Deputy Commissioner of Narayanganj, Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia became aware of these issues and has pledged to solve them. However, the problems with traffic and hawkers are worsening, leaving experts and the local community concerned.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia stated that among all the problems, traffic congestion is the most pressing issue in Narayanganj city. He emphasized that reducing congestion will be his top priority. Efforts will be made to regulate street hawkers, especially those using pushcarts, and enforce proper lane discipline for vehicles.
City residents are concerned about potential difficulties during the holy month of Ramadan. Many doubt whether the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) and the district administration will be able to control the traffic congestion and hawkers. The hawkers have taken over large portions of Bangabandhu Road’s sidewalks and even parts of the main street, reportedly with political backing.
Citizens have voiced concerns over increased travel times, especially at Chashara intersection, where it currently takes 20–30 minutes to pass through. During Ramadan, this could extend to an hour or more, causing distress to those observing fasts. The influx of people and vehicles during this time is also expected to worsen the situation.
In past years, former MP and business leader Selim Osman used to provide significant financial assistance to the Narayanganj district police during Ramadan to help manage traffic and hawkers. However, due to changes in leadership within business organizations, such financial assistance is unlikely this year.
Abdullah Al Amin, Joint Secretary of the National Citizens' Committee, expressed concerns about rising law and order issues, extortion, and theft in Narayanganj. He urged the district administration to take action, especially regarding harassment faced by families of martyrs from the Liberation War. He also submitted an eight-point demand memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, who assured them of addressing the issues.
The committee has also demanded the construction of a memorial for martyrs in Narayanganj, a key center of past movements. Additionally, they called for the arrest of those responsible for shooting at protesters during the mass uprising.
Rathin Chakraborty, President of Narayanganj Khelaghor, commented on the dilemma of relocating hawkers. Despite previous efforts by Mayor Ivy to clear footpaths, the current situation has deteriorated, making it difficult for people to walk or commute.
NCC Transport Planner Fahad criticized the ineffective transportation projects in the area, highlighting underutilized terminals and the introduction of new, unnecessary projects.
Cultural figure Rafiqul Rabbi pointed out that the unplanned urbanization of Narayanganj is responsible for many of the city’s problems. While there are ongoing projects like Kadam Rasul Bridge and Khanpur Port Container, further development could lead to the city’s collapse if not properly planned.
Over the past 150 years, Narayanganj's population has increased 34 times, and within 100 more years, it is projected to reach 30 million. Many believe that most projects undertaken by different ministries aim at exploitation rather than development.
Recent stakeholder meetings emphasized the reoccupation of sidewalks by hawkers. Vendors now occupy both sides of the sidewalks and even spill onto the streets, causing severe congestion. In addition, drainage repair work on Bangabandhu Road has exacerbated the situation.
A stakeholder discussion held on January 27 at the Nasik City Hall revealed that sidewalks are once again occupied by street vendors. Despite previous promises to make Narayanganj vendor-free, vendors have returned, causing severe traffic congestion.
Many citizens are frustrated. They see vendors as unyielding and backed by influential figures. Street vendors have taken over sidewalks in three layers—on both sides and near the edge of the street. Renovations on Bangabandhu Road’s drains have further exacerbated the problem.
Observers hope that Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia and the district administration will take effective action to ease the suffering of residents during Ramadan. There is also speculation that a benevolent business leader may collaborate with the administration to bring about a positive change.
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