The upazila administration and the Roads and Highways Department jointly conducted an eviction drive at Ramu Chowmuhani in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday, demolishing illegal shops built by occupying roadside footpaths.
The operation began at around 11:00am, targeting structures that had encroached on the footpaths beside the road. The drive was intended to ease public inconvenience and restore space for pedestrians and road users.
The operation was led by Ramu Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Swarup Muhuri. Officials and employees of the local administration, along with an engineer from the Cox’s Bazar Roads and Highways Department, were present.
Residents welcomed the eviction drive, saying that keeping roads and footpaths free from illegal occupation would help maintain smoother traffic movement and reduce difficulties for pedestrians.
However, concerned residents feared the cleared areas could be occupied again unless authorities took sustained measures to prevent fresh encroachment.
According to local sources, the administration has conducted eviction drives against illegal roadside structures in Ramu several times a year. In many cases, however, traders return within a few months and resume business on the cleared land.
As a result, repeated operations have failed to provide a lasting solution, they said.
Civic-minded residents called on the authorities to install warning notices at the cleared sites and take legal action against anyone who rebuilds shops illegally.
They said regular monitoring and enforcement would be necessary to prevent renewed encroachment and ensure that the footpaths remain accessible to pedestrians.
The latest operation is part of efforts to address illegal occupation of roadside public spaces in Ramu. Residents said sustained action is essential to maintain the benefits of the eviction drive and prevent the problem from recurring.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
