Footpaths in front of Russian, Saudi embassies freed

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) authorities are conducting a drive to clear footpaths in front of Russian and Saudi embassies in Dhaka's Gulshan diplomatic zone.

They knocked down an iron fence erected by the Russian embassy and removed several pot plants in front of the embassy during the drive, our photojournalist reports from the spot.

DNCC Mayor Annisul Huq told reporters that the drive that started around 11:30am was conducted to facilitate movements of the pedestrians on the pavements.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) authorities conduct a drive to clear footpaths in front of Russian and Saudi embassies in Dhaka's Gulshan diplomatic zone on April 20, 2017. Photo: Prabir Das

The drive was conducted with the consent of the embassies, the mayor also said.

The mayor met with Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander I. Ignatov at the embassy to inform him about the drives and assured him of foolproof security of the diplomats.

The DNCC authorities conducted the drive.