Eviction drives against illegal structures on Karnaphuli River begin Monday

Eviction drives to clear both the banks of Karnaphuli River of illegally built structures in Chittagong district are set to begin on Monday.  

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting held at the Chittagong deputy commissioner's office on Thursday.

Chittagong Additional Commissioner (Revenue) Md Delwar Hossain confirmed the matter to the Dhaka Tribune.

"We will start determining the demarcation pillars from Friday. We are yet to receive the required funds for conducting the eviction work, amounting to Tk1.20 crore. For this purpose, we have already held discussions with related stakeholders, including the Chittagong City Corporation, Chittagong Port Authority, and Chittagong Development Authority," the ADC said.

On August 16, 2016, the High Court directed the authorities concerned to remove 2,112 structures illegally built on the banks of the Karnaphuli River in response to a writ petition.

The writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh sought directives from the High Court to save the river, citing media reports of rampant encroachment on its banks.

In the petition, a number of individuals, owners of business houses and slums, a container terminal, and six government entities were accused of erecting illegal structures at the Bakalia, Patenga, Madrabari, Ghosail Danga, Monoharkhali, and Firingi Bazar areas on the banks of the river.