Flooded with 'requests', but none will be entertained

Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed yesterday said no request seeking to save illegal structures built on both banks of Karnaphuli River would be entertained, in the drive scheduled to begin tomorrow.

The minister was taking to reporters after his visit to the river, ahead of the eviction drive.

Javed said the land occupied by the grabbers would be reclaimed as per RS (Revision Survey) and court directives.

He said he was being flooded with calls and requests, but there is no scope to entertain any of those.

“We have given ample time to encroachers to remove their structures. As they did not honour our generosity, we have no option left but evict the illegal settlements. There is no scope to fulfill any request coming from any influential. We will begin as it is planned,” Javed told the reporters.

The whole area ranging from Kalurghat area to Patenga has been divided into few zones, he said, adding that on the first day, they would be able to reclaim ten acres of land demolishing at least 200 structures.

The authorities will demolish the structures in various phases, added Javed, who was promoted to full minister in the cabinet formed after the December 30 victory of Awami League.

Terming the river a lifeline of the country, he said they are determined to free the river of illegal structures that is choking the river to death.

“I urge people to come forward to support us in this initiative, because as long as the river survives, the nation will survive with it,” he added.

Officials of Chattogram district administration were present during minister's briefing in Sadarghat area.