Encroached footpaths in Rajshahi force pedestrians onto roads, causing congestion, risks, and daily hardship. Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, April 8, 2026 (BSS)- In Rajshahi city, footpaths are as wide as roads-some eight feet, others three feet.
 
However, these sidewalks in busy areas are almost always occupied. Local encroachers have taken over the spaces, either renting them out or collecting 
one-time payments. 

As a result, small vendors are conducting business on these footpaths. This leads to traffic congestion on the roads, causes suffering for pedestrians, 
and even results in accidents.
 
From Alupotti to Rajshahi College, Railgate to Gonokpara, Lakshmipur to Railgate, as well as in areas like Shiroil, Bhadra, Talaimari, Kazla, 
Binodpur, Court Station, Shalbagan, and Naodapara-most footpaths are occupied.
 
In many places, sidewalks have been taken over by extended shop fronts, hawkers, temporary stalls, and parked vehicles.

In some areas, footpaths have effectively turned into informal commercial spaces. As a result, there is hardly any room left for pedestrians to walk. 

Pedestrians, schoolchildren, and others are forced to walk alongside moving vehicles on busy roads, leading to accidents.
 
Footpath users say that daily movement has become difficult and dangerous, especially during peak hours.
 
They also complain that the city corporation is not effectively enforcing laws against illegal encroachment.
 
Political will is also needed, as activists from various political parties are reportedly involved in these occupations.
 
A recent survey published on Research Gate rated Rajshahi's walk ability at only 43.20 out of 100, placing it in the "unwalkable" category. 
The infrastructure score for the population is even lower.
 
Locals allege that extortion and political patronage are behind the continued illegal occupation. Even when eviction drives are conducted, vendors return 
shortly afterward.
 
Schoolteacher Shawkat Hossain said that the city's footpaths are no longer usable. 

"We have to walk on the roads every day, which is risky due to battery-powered rickshaws. They are difficult to control, and accidents often occur," 
he added.
 
Parents have expressed concern for their children's safety. Elderly and disabled individuals also face significant difficulties navigating traffic-
congested roads. 

Parent Ferdousi Rahman said that because footpaths are occupied, she has to walk along busy roads to take her daughter to school and coaching classes, 
which keeps her in constant anxiety.
 
Prof Deepakendra Nath Das, former chairman of Rajshahi Education Board, said that those who occupy footpaths often have political backing.
 
Even small hawkers are forced to pay money to continue their business. Many of those occupying the footpaths have no alternative means of livelihood, yet 
money is still being extorted from them.
 
Mohaiminul Islam, assistant professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), said that although 
eviction drives are occasionally conducted, the footpaths are reoccupied within hours due to a lack of continuous monitoring. 

The absence of rehabilitation plans for informal vendors is sustaining the cycle of encroachment.
 
Rezaual Karim, chief executive officer of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), said that regular eviction drives and mobile courts are being conducted.
 
"Action is being taken against illegal encroachment, but cooperation from all stakeholders is necessary to keep the footpaths clear. Recovering occupied 
footpaths remains a major challenge," he added.