Gopal Halder, Patuakhali: The ban on taking pictures and sitting on the road side of the viral Kashmir Road in Patuakhali town has sparked intense anger among the general public.

Since the road went viral on social media recently, it has become a tourist attraction. Everyday from locals to tourists come here to take pictures and spend time.

However, suddenly the administration banned taking pictures and sitting on the streets considering crowd control and public safety. This has created dissatisfaction among the common people.

Local resident Abidur Rahman said, 'We come here every day to spend some quiet time. It is very disappointing for us to impose such a ban on such a beautiful place for photography.'

Shahin Gazi, another local resident, said, 'Now many people come to see this place. There was such a nice place in the city, to bring the family. Now it has been closed.'

Bashir Gazi, another local expressed anger, saying, 'This decision has limited our joy. At Kashmir Road we used to take pictures with friends and sit and chat. The decision taken by the administration is unreasonable. Security could be increased, but it is not right to attack people's freedom like this.'

Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin said, 'Public safety is at risk due to overcrowding on Kashmir Road. Taking pictures and sitting in crowded streets causes problems for traffic and pedestrians. We had to take this decision to ensure public safety. If the overcrowding is not controlled, accidents or chaos may occur at any time.'

He added, 'We are monitoring the situation and may change the decision with time, but now everyone's cooperation is needed. Public safety is our priority.'