Eviction drive begins to clear Buriganga of illegal structures

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) conducted drives Tuesday to remove illegal structures on the banks of the Buriganga River at Dhaka's Kamrangirchar, reports BSS.

"The drive began at 10 am in Kamrangichar's Nawabchar area. More than 200 brick and semi brick houses were evicted," said BIWTA Joint Director Md Arifur Rahman.

"Eviction drives will be carried out in areas under the Dhaka river port until Feb 19," said BIWTA Public Relations Officer Md Mobarak Hossain.

Earlier around 444 illegal structures including multi-storied buildings were demolished.

BIWTA had identified 609 illegal structures lining the banks of the Buriganga between Sadarghat and Gabtoli. All illegal structures would be taken down, said Rahman.

"The illegal structures include 56 multi-storey buildings… Our first priority is to remove these multi-storey structures," he said, adding that permanent measures will be taken to preserve the river banks after the lands are reclaimed.

He said they will construct walkways along the banks of the river to mark its boundaries and trees will be planted on the reclaimed lands to prevent encroachment in future.