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Dhaka’s footpaths are a battleground between survival and mobility

The footpaths of Dhaka are always busy with commercial activity. Street vendors line the walkways, selling everything from fruits and clothes to mobile accessories and snacks. For many, these vendors are a lifeline, offering affordable goods and services, conveniently. Yet, this same vibrant economy is a source of frustration for pedestrians, who find their paths obstructed and their safety compromised. According to a study by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), 60 percent of the footpaths of Dhaka are illegally occupied. But this occupation of footpaths by vendors is simply not an issue of right and wrong—it is a deeply human story, one that reflects the complexities of urban poverty, survival, and the need for inclusive solution.

Dhaka, a city of over 20 million people, already struggles with a lack of adequate infrastructure for pedestrians. Footpaths are meant for safe walking but pedestrians are forced onto the congested roads as vendors have taken over Dhaka's footpaths. This results in a chaotic mix of people and vehicles, increasing the risk of road crashes. It also creates difficulties for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children since navigating these cluttered spaces is not only inconvenient but can be life-threatening for them too. Moreover, the unregulated nature of these street markets leads to sanitation issues, traffic congestion, and loss of aesthetic appeal in many neighbourhoods.