Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has reaffirmed that the Bakkhali River will be freed from illegal encroachment. She made the remarks on Saturday (September 6) while addressing the Best Urban Reporting Award ceremony, organized by Nagar Unnayan Sangbadik Forum, Bangladesh, in Dhaka.
“The eviction plan for Bakkhali’s illegal structures was for five days. We could continue for three days due to severe resistance, but could not proceed for the remaining two days. That doesn’t mean the drive has stopped—it will continue. We will free the Bakkhali River,” Hasan stressed, adding that political and administrative support are vital for success.
Drawing parallels with earlier campaigns, she said, “Just as we spoke up for Sada Pathor, today we must speak up for Bakkhali.
Whose ten-story building was spared? Whose four-story structure inside the river survived? Who celebrated when we were forced to halt evictions? These are questions we must ask.”
She further noted that law enforcement had been fully prepared during the initial three days of eviction. “So where did the resistance come from? Why was it allowed? Which political parties have supported Bakkhali’s encroachment over the last four years? And why did the resistance emerge when demolition began?” she asked.
Hasan concluded by emphasizing that, regardless of which government is in power, river eviction drives are possible if there is strong public support.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
