Mayor promises to be tough on encroachers

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam said he would get tough on encroachers who constructed buildings on public land.

"No one will be allowed to construct buildings on public land. Establishments that have been built already will be identified and bulldozed," he told the press while visiting the city's Bhasantek area Wednesday.

The Dhaka North mayor said many buildings were constructed without the permission of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha(Rajuk).

"Many have done so with muscle power, while others used political clout to try and get away with illegal construction. Neither political nor muscle power will protect them anymore," said Atiq.

The mayor commented that power of the people is supreme, and that encroachers, no matter how powerful they are,would not be allowed to occupy Bhasantek roads.  

He also called on building owners to voluntarily demolish their establishments on public land. "If the building owners do not voluntarily leave [the illegal buildings], we will take action against them as per Rajuk rules," he told the journalists. 

He called a Rajuk official on the spot and asked him to identify the buildings constructed on public plots within a week, and ordered eviction drives on these establishments. 

The Dhaka North mayor said, "The 120-feet road in front of Bhasantek Dental College has lost 100 feet to the grabbers and currently the road has barely 20 feet for traffic. The people are on our side, and we will knock downthese buildings soon."

The mayor later visited the Bhasantek slumand promised to work for the slum dwellers.

"We are taking steps to modernize the slums to execute the prime minister's declaration that no one would be left homeless," he said.

"We donot want slum dwellers to lead aninhumane existence. I hope to be able to find a lasting solution for them."

Local CouncillorSalek Mollah, Women Councillor Shila and other city corporation officials were present during the mayor's visit.