Dhaka South clears all illegal structures from Suhrawardy Udyan
Hundreds of unauthorised mobile shops and structures were dismantled with the help of four bulldozers, under tight security by a large number of police personnel
The Dhaka South City Corporation today (15 May) launched a major eviction drive and removed all illegal shops and makeshift structures from Suhrawardy Udyan, days after the fatal stabbing of Dhaka University student and Chhatra Dal leader Shahriar Alam Shammo.
Led by Dhaka South Executive Magistrate Md Aminul Islam, the drive began this morning and continued across various parts of the park.
Hundreds of unauthorised mobile shops and structures were dismantled with the help of four bulldozers, under tight security by a large number of police personnel.
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Fatema Binte Mustafa, acting estate manager of Dhaka University, was present during the operation, along with officials from the Department of Public Works, Shahbagh police, and members of the Ansar and VDP.
Speaking to reporters, Magistrate Aminul said, "We are conducting this joint operation on behalf of Dhaka South City Corporation, in coordination with the Department of Public Works, Dhaka University, Shahbagh police, and the Ansar."
"This is a national park where people of all genders come to visit. Our goal is to ensure a safe and uninterrupted environment for everyone. We have removed all illegal structures from the area," he added.
Fatema said, "We are conducting this drive with support from all stakeholders. We want to ensure a clean and secure environment in the park, but this will require everyone's cooperation. We hope all parties will contribute to this effort."
The eviction comes in the wake of the killing of Shammo, a postgraduate student at the university's Institute of Education and Research.
He was also the literary and publication secretary of the Sir AF Rahman Hall unit of the Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the BNP.
Shahriar was stabbed to death near the Muktamancha area of the park around 14 May midnight.
His killing has drawn widespread concern and outrage, with political and student groups questioning the security arrangements in and around the park.
Student groups, including Chhatra Dal, have since urged the interim government and the university administration to take immediate measures to improve law and order and ensure the safety of students on and near campus.
