Encroachers back away from Bhairab riverbanks

An encroacher dismantling an illegal structure near Daratana bridge on the Bhairab riverbank in Jessore town yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

Deputy Commissioner Moha-mmad Abdul Wazed led the drive.

Police Superintendent SM Hafizur Rahman, all additional deputy commissioners, engineers and officials of the Roads and Highways Department, district BNP President Chaudhury Shahidul Islam Nayan, Workers' Party leader Iqbal Kabir Zahid, NAP leader Enamul Haq, editors of local dailies, commissioners of Jessore municipality and officials of different government departments were present.

Till filing of the report at about 4 pm, about 20 illegal occupants dismantled and removed their structures on their own, sources said.

Bulldozer was not used. About 20 policemen were present there during the drive.

Later talking to the The Daily Star, the DC said the Eviction Committee has identified 119 illegal structures along the banks.

"It is very encouraging that most of the land grabbers are removing their structures on their own", he said.

Forty-three encroachers have submitted written prayers seeking seven days' time to remove their structures, he said.

During the drive, owners of Helal Book Depot and Hasan Book Depot showed High Court orders to give them two months' time, the DC said.

"We are now evicting illegal occupants from the municipal portion of the riverbanks. These will be decorated with gardens and trees and walkways built along the river".

Ultimately about 35 kilometre riverbank area from Haibatpur to Basundia will be freed from encroachers, he said.

Magistrate Waziur Rahman has been deputed to take necessary steps in this regard, DC added.

Nawapara, a river port on the Bhairab, has already been declared a naval port and handed over to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority for its development, he mentioned.