Take the issue of land encroaching and land filling. Time and again we have seen efforts to remove illegal construction on the banks of Buriganga. If one looks at the demolition of the so called illegal establishment ( DS: 13/04/04), then one would certainly question how could these be illegal structures. For the establishments that are being demolished are not make-shift shanty structures, they are solidly built double storied buildings, probably used as shops and warehouses.

We have seen time and again the government making efforts to clear the banks of Buriganga of illegal occupation. This was taken up as a prominent issue during the time of the caretaker government. The present government also took steps from time to time to clear the banks of Buriganga of all illegal structures.

My question is that once the illegal establishments have been cleared, why are not trees planted and vigilance mounted so that the encroachers cannot come back. It is certain that two storied buildings cannot be constructed overnight. It will take at least six months or more to do so. What were the concerned authorities doing during that time? Are we to believe that all government agencies are so corrupt that one can construct a two-storied building on an encroached land?

It is time we woke up from our slumber and took concrete steps to clear the banks of our beloved Buriganga , once and for all.