Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has transformed the footpath in front of Dhaka Medical College Hospital into a landscaped public space, replacing long-standing encroachment, waste and foul odour with flowerpots, ornamental plants and graffiti as part of a pilot urban renewal initiative.
The redevelopment, covering a stretch from Dhaka University’s Mokarram Bhaban to Chankharpul, was formally inaugurated on Wednesday by DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam.
The initiative is designed to improve the environment around one of the capital’s busiest healthcare hubs, with a focus on easing the experience of patients and their relatives.
“The capital Dhaka is the face of Bangladesh. Keeping it clean and liveable is the responsibility of all of us,” said DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam, adding that the project aims to create a more comfortable setting for those visiting the hospital.
The administrator said the authorities are seeking coordinated support from Dhaka University, police, the city corporation and media to ensure long-term maintenance of the upgraded space.
The project also signals a shift in how the city plans to manage informal economic activity on footpaths. Authorities said unregulated roadside business would no longer be allowed to disrupt public movement, though the administration intends to avoid harsh measures against vulnerable groups.
“Temporary businesses on footpaths will require licences from the city corporation,” said the administrator, noting that area-based lists of hawkers are being prepared with police assistance.
He added that once the process is completed, a limited number of vendors will be permitted to operate in designated locations at specific times. The city is also planning to introduce holiday markets and night markets as part of a broader effort to balance public convenience with livelihoods.
“Our goal is rehabilitation, not eviction,” he said.
The pilot scheme has been implemented under the supervision of DSCC’s Waste Management Department. It includes graffiti artwork spanning around 1,350 feet, installation of 550 flowerpots and 650 ornamental plants, and the addition of 50 seating arrangements for waiting relatives.
Construction has also begun on two decorative structures designed to resemble hills, aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of the area.
DSCC Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Mahbubur Rahman Talukder described the initiative as a test case for future urban interventions.
“If it proves successful with public cooperation, similar projects will be expanded to other busy footpaths across Dhaka South City,” he said.
The inauguration was attended by DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Jahirul Islam, Dhaka Medical College Director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman and other senior officials.
