Masud Rana, Barishal Bureau

The Eviction drive of Roads and Highways Department (RHD) at Rupatali in Barishal has failed as the leaders of BNP have reoccupied it again wthin two hours of eviction.

The Roads and Highways Department has conducted an operation to clear the illegal structures along the highway of Barisal city. On Monday (November 11) from 10 am, the eviction drive was conducted throughout the day from Rupatali in the city to Dapadapia and Kalijira.

Nazrul Islam, Deputy Assistant Engineer of the Roads and Public Roads Department, told Bhorer Akash that the businessmen had leased the road and township land on both sides of the road from Rupatali Bus Stand to Dapadapia on the Barisal-Kuakata road, but they had not renewed it for several years due to the power.

Besides, many illegally occupied and built businesses there. This eviction operation was carried out to recover that land. Pedestrians, commuters and locals applauded the road and township department.

A young man named Sumon, a student of Patuakhali University of Technology, told Bhorer Akash that he always had to win in Patuakhali to study from Rupatali. For that, you have to stand on the Rupatali footpath and wait for the car. But footpaths cannot stand for illegal encroachments.

After the eviction operation of the RHD , they left the area. At this time, Shamim and Md. Jalil, residents of Ward No. 24, were seen marking the boundary with poles and ropes. They said that the boundaries were determined under the leadership of former councilor No. 24 Feroze Ahmed.

He also said that we had shops here on the road and townships and demolished all the shops by carrying out illegal eviction operations. We have tied the stakes with ropes so that no outsiders can encroach.

A local shopkeeper, who did not wish to be named, told Bhorer Akash that people of Shamim, Jalil, Ward No. 24 Councilor Feroze Mia, no one can speak against them. Sagar, a fruit shop owner occupying the footpath, said that all those who have come here are planning to occupy under the leadership of Ward No. 24 Juba Dal President Chunnu Mridha.

Chunnu Mridha, President of Ward No. 24 of the city BNP Youth Dal said to Bhorer Akash, "I don't know anyone, if anyone uses my name, legal action will be taken against him." The former councilor of Ward No. 24 of the city, Firoz Ahmed, called several times on his mobile phone, but the connection was found to be disconnected.

Member Secretary of Barisal Metropolitan BNP Md. Ziauddin Sikder told Bhorer Akash that if any person from the Metropolitan or Ward BNP goes to encroach on Rupatali area, if any evidence is found, organizational action will be taken against them.

Nazmul Islam, Executive Engineer of Barishal RHD said, an executive magistrate, police administration and a unit of fire service cooperated in the operation. At this time, more than two hundred small and big shops were crushed with bulldozers.