Water Development Board launches drive in Ctg to recover govt land from 39 influential grabbers

The Water Development Board (WDB) has launched a large-scale eviction drive in Chattogram to reclaim government land allegedly occupied by 39 influential individuals.

The land, worth an estimated Tk320 crore, spans approximately 32 acres along the coastal embankment area between Uttar Halishahar and Uttar Kattoli.

The three-day drive began this morning (13 July) in the Uttar Kattoli area, targeting illegal establishments adjacent to the Sagorika Mini Stadium and along the embankment beside the Port Link Road. By midday, eight unauthorised structures had been demolished, freeing up 6-7 acres of land, according to officials.

The eviction campaign is being conducted under the supervision of three executive magistrates from the Chattogram district administration — Assistant Commissioner Hossain Muhammad from the Kattoli Circle Land Office, Assistant Commissioner Farista Karim from the Patenga Circle Land Office, and Assistant Commissioner Md Moinul Hasan from the Deputy Commissioner's office.

Army and police personnel are also assisting in the drive, which will continue through Tuesday.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Borno Hoque, sub-divisional engineer of WDB Chattogram Division-1, said, "We have finally launched the eviction after years of illegal occupation. Once the land is cleared, we will install boundary pillars and fencing, followed by afforestation to ensure long-term preservation."

In response to a query, he said, "There are around 32 acres of illegally occupied land along the coastal embankment area between Uttar Halishahar and Uttar Kattoli. So far, we have managed to reclaim 6–7 acres. The operation will continue over the next two days."

Officials said the drive is part of a broader initiative to restore encroached public land along Chattogram's coastal belt, which is critical for both environmental protection and infrastructural development.