Shops Set Up Illegally Under Babubazar Bridge, Earning Around Tk 3 Million Monthly

A space under Dhaka’s Babubazar Bridge that was officially leased solely for vehicle parking has been turned into a bustling commercial zone, allegedly with backing from the councillor of Ward 32 of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The lease agreement strictly prohibited any kind of roadside stalls or businesses, and it included a clause allowing cancellation if such activities took place. Despite these terms, a large commercial cluster has emerged in the area.

Residents and traders say that associates of Councillor Abdul Mannan are running the operation, collecting roughly Tk 3 million each month from illegal shops and unauthorized parking activities. Several sources also claim that a portion of the collected money goes to members of law enforcement.

The road beneath the bridge is a key route linking Mitford Hospital, Islampur, Sadarghat, Badamtoli and Chawkbazar. The heavy encroachment on both the road and footpaths causes persistent traffic congestion.

According to city corporation data, the 28,000-square-foot area was leased for one year at Tk 7.35 million, with additional payments required for VAT and income tax. Although the lease was taken in the name of an individual named Babul Hossain, many sources say that most of the capital came from allies of the councillor.

Under the bridge, nine structural blocks have been filled with makeshift businesses: around 80 mask shops, 24 clothing stalls, 25 fruit stands, nearly a dozen food stalls, numerous tea shops, mobile phone shops, and even rickshaw and van garages. Traders report being charged daily fees depending on the type of business—typically between Tk 200 and Tk 550 per shop.

Transport agencies also state that they are forced to pay Tk 2,500–3,000 daily to continue loading and unloading goods, even though the official parking rate set by DSCC would amount to only Tk 250 per day per vehicle. Furthermore, although the corporation permitted parking only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., the area is reportedly used for various commercial purposes around the clock.

Individuals involved in the operation claim that approximately Tk 210,000 is collected every day from shop rents, parking activities, and goods handling. The lessee keeps nearly half, while the remaining amount is allegedly distributed among different groups.

City officials acknowledge that they are aware of the illegal encroachment and have carried out multiple eviction drives. They say further action will be taken if necessary. Police officials, however, deny any involvement in the earnings from the area.

Repeated attempts to contact Councillor Abdul Mannan for comment were unsuccessful.

Two DSCC officials said that two competing groups are interested in leasing the area, which has driven the lease amount to nearly double what it was two years ago. They believe the increased pressure to recover this high investment is fueling the expansion of illegal business activities.

Shops Set Up Illegally Under Babubazar Bridge, Earning Around Tk 3 Million Monthly