Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) officials launched an eviction drive at Mirpur Section-11’s Bhashani Square on Monday morning to remove illegal structures and encroachments on footpaths.
However, the operation was suspended following discussions between local shop owners and DNCC authorities.
The drive began with DNCC officials demolishing some shops occupying footpaths. However, when authorities attempted to dismantle structures at New Society Market, shopkeepers strongly protested, with some lying down in front of bulldozers to halt the operation.
SM Riaz, vice-president of New Society Market Committee, claimed the structures were not illegal, stating they possessed a court order preventing their eviction under rehabilitation provisions.
When asked about the legal basis for the eviction, DNCC Property Officer Farzana Khanam told reporters, “We conduct regular anti-encroachment drives, and today’s operation was part of that routine process.”
Regarding shopkeepers’ claims of having proper authorisation, she said, “We will verify their documents to confirm whether their shops are legally positioned.”
Shopkeepers complained about not receiving prior notice. Farzana Khanam responded, “This is government land, and eviction of illegal structures is an ongoing process that doesn’t require advance notice.”
She added that DNCC had previously surveyed the area and confirmed the encroachments, warning that the drive would resume if shopkeepers’ documents prove invalid.
The eviction team included Executive Magistrate Shahidul Islam and Regional Executive Magistrate Jalal Uddin.
