Benazir's Boat Club: What lies ahead?

The controversial Dhaka Boat Club, once served by former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed as its president, is set to face potential action, including possible eviction, by government authorities.

"This is actually an old issue that hasn't been widely discussed. However, now that it is under our purview, we will address it," Sarwar Mahmud, chairman of the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), told The Business Standard.

"We have a meeting scheduled for 4 September. We will include this issue on the agenda along with other matters. Following the meeting, the commission may request the relevant authorities to conduct a new survey to determine if the club was built by encroaching on river land."

There are allegations that the club has encroached on land from the Turag River and violated rules prohibiting construction within 200 yards of the river's boundary.

Several environmental and social organisations have complained that the club, established in 2021, was built on occupied river land and have called for the demolition of the illegal structure.

A Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) official, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "The club was indeed built illegally on river land, violating the rule against constructing within 200 yards of the river boundary. However, no one dared to raise questions because the club was backed by powerful figures, including former IGP Benazir Ahmed."

Benazir is now facing massive corruption allegations with his assets seized following court orders.  

File photo of Dhaka Boat Club/Collected

BIWTA Joint Director Alamgir Kabir told TBS, "The issue of land grabbing by the Boat Club was resolved long ago by a court order, so we have no further role in the matter. However, if the NRCC asks us to, we can take steps, as the NRCC is the primary authority on rivers."

He continued, "If instructed, we will conduct a new survey and measurement. If it is found that the club encroached on river land, an eviction order may be issued."

The club is also accused of acquiring land illegally from private owners. It is known that in 2014, 27 bighas of land were purchased from Eastern University in the name of the Boat Club.

Subsequently, the land was acquired through various means. While some of it was purchased, there are allegations that the club has occupied khas (government) land leased by others. Currently, the Dhaka Boat Club occupies around 60 bighas of land.

Since the beginning of its construction, leaseholders have approached government offices to reclaim their land but have not succeeded. One such leaseholder is Saidur Rahman Sujan, a former chairman of the Savar Birulia Union Parishad.

In a media interview, he said, "The Boat Club has encroached on 77 decimals of government land leased in my name. A club member threatened me, saying the land would be used by the club and that I should drop the matter."

The Dhaka Boat Club officially launched in February 2021. According to its website, Dhaka Boat Club Limited (DBCL) is the premier recreational boating and social club in Dhaka, established in 1985.

The website claims the club is the first of its kind in Dhaka and is located on the picturesque shores of the Turag River.