Authorities in Dhaka have launched a two-day eviction drive to free the banks of the Buriganga River from illegal encroachment. 

The operation, jointly conducted by the Dhaka district administration and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), began on Wednesday (August 20).

The campaign was confirmed in an official notice signed by Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman, Joint Director of BIWTA’s Port and Transport Division. 

According to the notice, the drive is being carried out in compliance with directives issued by the High Court in writ petitions No. 3503/2009 and 13989/2016.

The targeted area stretches from Postogola Bridge to Dhopatya or Katurail ferry ghat, covering riverbank zones under South Keraniganj Police Station, including Char Mirerbagh, Nayatola, Doleshwar, Hazaribagh, and Katurail mouzas.

Officials said all illegal structures and landfills along these riverbanks will be demolished and removed. Mobile courts led by executive magistrates of the district administration are overseeing the operation. 

The magistrates have been tasked with enforcing the evictions, maintaining law and order, and exercising relevant judicial authority. 

Adequate numbers of police personnel have been deployed to support the drive.

According to BIWTA sources, years of illegal encroachment and unauthorized construction along the Buriganga have caused the river to narrow severely, posing serious threats to the environment and river navigation safety.

Authorities stressed that the operation is part of routine eviction efforts carried out jointly by the local administration, district magistrates, and law enforcement agencies.

SMS/