Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday directed the authorities concerned to ensure the swift rehabilitation of street hawkers evicted from various areas of the capital, calling for coordinated efforts to identify suitable alternative locations for their resettlement.He gave the instruction during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon in the afternoon. Senior officials from the Local Government Division, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) attended the meeting, said a PMO release.The Prime Minister instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to work in coordination to quickly identify designated vending zones where displaced hawkers can continue their businesses in a dignified and orderly manner.

He said the relocated vendors must be provided spaces where they can operate comfortably.

Recently, several hundred makeshift shops were evicted from key areas of Dhaka North City Corporation including Mirpur-1, as well as from Dhaka South City Corporation areas such as Motijheel, Baitul Mukarram, Paltan and Gulistan.

The meeting decided that the government would arrange alternative locations for the evicted vendors.

It also discussed introducing a registration system to issue identity cards to hawkers to ensure better regulation of their activities.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to reduce traffic congestion during school opening and closing hours, noting that unmanaged parking in front of educational institutions often contributes to gridlock.

He suggested that a portion of school grounds could be used for parking to help ease congestion.

Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hasan, Rajuk Chairman Engineer Riazul Islam, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqur Rahman Khan, DMP Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar and DIG (Traffic) Anisur Rahman were present.

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that the BNP is following the same “fascist path” as the Awami League.“BNP is opposing key issues where the state needs reform. This is a clear betrayal of the nation,” he said.He made the remarks at a rally held at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, attended by families of those killed and injured in the July Uprising.Dr Shafiqur Rahman, also Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said the ruling party speaks about July and Shaheed Hadi in Parliament, but its actions do not reflect those claims.“They accept 51 percent of votes when it suits their interests, but reject the 70 percent verdict that could prevent dictatorship, end discrimination, ensure good governance and bring real freedom. This duplicity is shameful,” he said, adding that accepting the 70 percent mandate would free Bangladesh from fascism.

He warned that without the July Uprising, the current political situation would not exist.

“If people had not sacrificed their lives, you could not have come to power. When families of the martyrs were grieving, BNP did not stand by them and instead focused on coming to power through elections,” he said.

He said the student community had played a crucial role, adding that leaders are accountable to every individual and family.

He also alleged that BNP is scrapping laws and ordinances that could lead to state reforms, claiming this reflects a move towards authoritarianism.

Referring to recent incidents, he mentioned that MP Masum Mustafa had been attacked and criticised violence against students near Shahbagh Police Station.

“We do not want such a Bangladesh. We want a country where women can move safely and return home without fear,” he said.

He added that “July will return again” and expressed hope that people would ultimately prevail against fascism through continued struggle both in Parliament and on the streets.

Leaders from several political parties, including AB Party Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, JAGPA President Barrister Tasmia Pradhan, BDP Chairman Advocate Anwarul Islam Chan, and Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Mukhlesur Rahman Qasemi, also spoke at the rally.

The event was attended by leaders of the 11-party alliance, Jamaat-e-Islami central and metropolitan leaders, student representatives, and families of those affected by the July Movement, along with thousands of participants, including many injured activists.

US President Donald Trump has said the First Lady and Vice President are “in perfect condition” following a security incident, while football star Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF were held to another home draw, playing out a 1-1 result against New England Revolution in Major League Soccer action on Saturday night. Inter Miami are still searching for their first win at their new stadium, remaining winless in three home matches (0-0-3) despite a strong away record of 5-1-1 this season. The team, however, extended its unbeaten run to nine MLS matches (5-0-4) since the opening-day loss at LAFC, and to 11 matches unbeaten (5-0-6) across all competitions.

Germán Berterame struck in the 76th minute for Inter Miami, scoring off a rebound to level the match after former MLS MVP Carles Gil had given New England the lead in the 56th minute. Gil’s goal came from a long throw-in by Will Sands, which Dor Turgeman helped set up before Gil chipped past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Inter Miami had earlier thought they had taken the lead through Tadeo Allende, but the effort was ruled offside. The hosts equalised later when Luis Suárez’s close-range attempt was saved by Matt Turner, with Berterame converting the rebound.

Messi had several chances, including a missed opportunity in the first half and attempts from a corner and open play, all denied by Turner.

Inter Miami, who have five matches remaining before the FIFA World Cup break, will face Orlando, Toronto, Cincinnati, Portland and Philadelphia next, with only Toronto currently at a .500 record.