No concessions to canal encroachers, eviction drive soon: Dhaka North administrator

Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan has warned that the entire population of Mirpur cannot be made to suffer from waterlogging for the benefit of a few individuals.

He cautioned as saying "If all the illegal structures built on canal land are not removed within the stipulated time frame, strict eviction drives will be carried out along with the involvement of local residents if necessary."

He made these remarks while inspecting the canal-cleaning activities at the Journalist Colony Canal at Kalshi in the capital today (13 May).

During the inspection, the administrator said intensive canal-cleaning operations would continue over the next week to reduce waterlogging in the Kalshi area. He added that this initiative would provide temporary relief to the residents. However, for a long-term solution, permanent measures have already been planned following discussions with the concerned homeowners' associations and local residents.

Highlighting years of poor management, Shafiqul Islam Khan said the canal had gradually been filled up and stressed that there was no alternative to protecting it.

"There is no alternative to saving the canal. Those, who have illegally occupied canal land and constructed structures, will not be rehabilitated. These individuals must be accountable for constructing illegal establishments on government property," he said.

He, however, added that requests for additional time on humanitarian grounds could be considered through discussions.

Urging residents not to dump waste into canals and drains, the administrator said, "Drains and canals are not dumping grounds for garbage. Residents living nearby must also act responsibly. Without public awareness and cooperation, the city corporation's cleaning drives alone cannot provide a permanent solution."

Senior officials from the relevant departments of Dhaka North were also present during the inspection.