1,000 illegal structures demolished in Savar

A team of Roads and Highways Department (RHD) have evicted some 1,000 illegal structures on both sides of the Dhaka-Aricha highway in Savar.

The drives took place from Genda area to Savar Bus Stand, ahead of the Victory Day, said Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman Faruki, executive magistrate and estate and law officer of RHD Dhaka.

The demolished structures included parts of 20 high-rise buildings, said Arif, a surveyor of RHD, adding 10 acres of space owned by the government body were freed up. Materials including wood and abandoned vehicles parked on highway land were sold on auction, he added. 

Meanwhile, a group of workers of Pakiza Dyeing and Printing Industries beside Dhaka-Aricha Highway blocked vehicular movement on the road, following an altercation with RHD authorities. The blockade was removed after law enforcers asked them to leave the spot, said  Faruki, adding that they did not make any arrests.

Many people whose structures were demolished alleged that no prior notice was served to them before the drive, and termed he eviction “selective” and an “eyewash”.

Refuting the allegation, Faruki said people were informed about the drive through loudspeakers, and the drives are being conducted on the basis of map made by surveyors.

The drive continued till 7pm at Savar Bus Stand area.

Asked whether eviction would continue, executive magistrate Faruki said both sides of Dhaka-Aricha highway will be cleared of encroachment soon.