Time's up for those occupying canals, water bodies: Dhaka North administrator
I want to make it clear to Dhaka’s residents: those illegally occupying government lands must wake up — their time is over. Vacate voluntarily or face eviction without notice, he warns
Issuing a stern warning to illegal occupiers, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Azaz today (23 April) said the time is up for those who are sleeping peacefully after grabbing government canals and water bodies.
"Religious institutions, political establishments, and even clubs named after Bangabandhu were used to illegally occupy canals, reservoirs, and public spaces in Dhaka," he told the journalists during an eviction drive at the Haikkar Canal in Mohammadpur's Katasur area.
"I want to make it clear to Dhaka's residents that those still occupying government lands and sleeping peacefully should wake up — their time is over. Vacate the illegally occupied lands voluntarily, or face the consequences. We will come without prior notice and evict you," the administrator added.
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He also said, "Our eviction drives are ongoing to free playgrounds, remove illegal shops and hawkers, and restrict battery-run auto-rickshaws across the city. Today's drive involved security forces, army personnel, and heavy machinery. There will be no leniency."
The eviction operation was carried out under the leadership of Saiful Islam, regional executive officer and executive magistrate of Dhaka North's Region-05, along with property officer and executive magistrate Farzana Khanom, and Executive Magistrate Shahidul Islam.
During the operation, the city corporation completely demolished a two-storey illegally constructed building and partially demolished a three-storey building, as well as five tin-shed structures built on the canal.
The drive started at 11:30am and continued until 4:30pm.
In response to a question regarding Tejgaon Truck Stand, Ejaz said, "I personally visited the site. We are working towards a permanent solution to stop illegal truck parking on roads and hope to resolve it before the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha."
Regarding hawkers and battery-run rickshaws, he said, "Mirpur-10 and Indira Road in Farmgate will soon be completely free of hawkers and battery-run rickshaws. Operations have already started and will continue day and night."
