Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mohammad Tajul Islam said that all illegal structures within the boundaries after demarcation of the canals in the capital will be demolished immediately.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of demarcation of 29 canals and a regulatory pond under Dhaka North City Corporation in Kalyanpur Retention Pond area of the capital on Wednesday.
The minister said that since the handing over of the canals to Dhaka WASA, the mayors of the two city corporations of Dhaka have started evicting illegal occupants which is highly commendable. Eviction campaigns are underway.
“Many canals have already been rescued. The mayors of both the city corporations are relentlessly doing challenging work under the direction of the ministry to make the capital a livable and beautiful city,” he said.
Tajul Islam further said that the government has acquired 173 acres of land at this place in Kalyanpur to build a water retention pond to alleviate the water shortage in Dhaka. However, except for three acres, the rest of the land remains occupied. Various installations have been built. After determining the boundary, all the installations inside it will be removed to enable smooth flow of water.
All public representatives, government officials and the general public must work together. Many canals including Ramchandrapur have already been vacated. In collaboration with the administration, various illegal establishments have been removed with cooperation of the common people, he added.
“Without judging the failures and successes of the past, we have to move forward with firm conviction by facing the challenges ahead. The support of the people is needed to bring back the heritage of Dhaka. The cooperation of the media personnel in garnering public support is essential,” he said.
He said that everyone is committed to working in harmony under the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to fulfill the dreams of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Mayor of North City Corporation Atiqul Islam addressed the function as a special guest. Senior officials of North City Corporation, project-related officials from the Bangladesh Army, ward councilors and concerned persons were present during the programme.