A joint eviction drive on Sunday afternoon removed several illegal structures, including a makeshift prayer space, from Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.
The operation was conducted by the Public Works Department, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Dhaka University authorities, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
According to officials, a group led by an individual named Rajib Shah had been attempting to occupy a portion of the park under the pretext of constructing a mosque.
This initiative reportedly involved erecting tarpaulin canopies supported by bricks, wood, and bamboo poles. There were discussions that the group was visibly using a mentally unstable person as a front to carry out the encroachment.
The DSCC noted that the attempt to occupy the land occurred despite the existence of a modern and aesthetically pleasing mosque already established within the park’s project area. The unauthorised structures were located near the amphitheatre and along the temple gate, where illegal shops had also been set up by outsiders and vagrants.
The Ministry of Public Works had previously issued a formal notice for the removal of these structures after several videos of the site circulated on social media. The notice stated that the occupants were using the temporary prayer space for personal interests and were staying there day and night.
Officials further alleged that those involved in the encroachment had ignored repeated requests to vacate the area. Instead, they reportedly displayed rude behaviour and issued threats to employees of the Public Works sub-division and members of the Ansar force.
Authorities confirmed that the eviction was carried out as the illegal occupants failed to comply with the notices, leaving no further room for consideration.
