Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority yesterday demolished eight illegal structures on the bank of Turag in Dhaka's Birulia.

The establishments -- warehouses of Maliha and Metro Courier -- occupied 5 acres of land, said AKM Arif Uddin, a director (land and estate) of BIWTA.

The unauthorised construction on the riverbank obstructed the river's natural flow, said BIWTA officials. The eviction drive took place from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

AKM Arif Uddin said as part of the ongoing efforts, the authority is planning to construct walkways along the riverbank.