Illegal Structures Rise on Dhaleshwari Riverbank in Munshiganj
New structures are being built by illegally occupying government land adjacent to the Dhaleshwari River near the Munshiganj launch terminal. The development follows a previous eviction drive conducted by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority in 2024.
Illegal construction work has commenced on government land situated along the banks of the Dhaleshwari River. The ongoing encroachment is taking place precisely at the location adjacent to the Munshiganj launch terminal, according to reports published by the newspaper Samakal on Tuesday. This area falls under the jurisdiction of the Sadar Upazila administration and has previously been the focal point of state reclamation efforts.
The current unauthorized building activity directly follows a previous government crackdown in the area. Back in 2024, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, commonly known as BIWTA, carried out an extensive demolition drive to clear out numerous illegal structures that had similarly occupied the launch terminal zone along the riverbank.
Local sources have expressed deep concern regarding the resurgence of these unauthorized constructions. A local businessman, choosing to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, stated that structures previously stood on the riverbank at the launch ghat before the government demolished them. The local trader added that new structures are now being erected once again, but emphasized that nobody currently possesses the courage to speak out against the encroachment.
Addressing the ongoing land grab, Abdul Jabbar, a representative associated with the Bulkhead Ship Owners Association, provided context regarding past operations in the area. Jabbar stated that they previously had a room at the location, but after the government demolished it, they relocated and rented an office elsewhere. He further claimed to have no knowledge regarding the identities of the individuals currently constructing shops on the site.
Authorities have responded to inquiries regarding the ownership and management of the encroached land. Sheikh Enamul Haque addressed the situation by stating that the land where the structures are currently being built belongs to the BIWTA, with certain portions also falling under the jurisdiction of the Water Development Board. Haque assured that if anyone is found constructing structures on that land, authorities will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
