Within a month of eviction, illegal shops are being built again at Sonargaon Mograpara intersection.

On December 28, 2022, under the leadership of Sonargaon Executive Magistrate Rezwanul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mr. Ibrahim and Sonargaon Thana police, these shops are being built again one by one, without a month of eviction of the illegal structures built by occupying the footpaths and roads of Mograpara intersection, known as slums of Sonargaon. Some drivers of the CNG stand said that one by one the illegal shops are building, also some of these shops are being built under the umbrella of some local Awami League and Jubo League leaders. At night, they secretly bring tin, wood and shop goods and slowly decorate the shops. They also said that if the eviction campaign continues every month, there will be no opportunity to remove these illegal shops. Also, the shopkeepers who repeatedly set up these shops illegally should be brought under the law.

It can be seen on the surface, permanent temporary shops are being built around the footover bridge ramp and public toilets, preparations are underway to open a new jewelery shop with tin rice, besides tea, fruits, flowers, shoes and sandals, various shops are around the ramp and feet. Under the over bridge is building as before. Pedestrians have to move through difficulties due to the fact that the shop’s buyers and sellers are standing. Even women in the public toilet have shops in front of the women’s doors, so women feel shy to use the toilet in the crowd. Also, all the previous illegal establishments including food hotels, floating shops and carts on the other side of Chowrasta Masjid and around Shikdar Dine and petrol pumps are being redeveloped. And like before, there are rows of illegal floating shops occupying half of the space above the foot over bridge. As a result, the universally acclaimed evacuation program initiated by the administration is going to be a virtual failure in addition to public suffering and unhealthy environment. As a result of the evacuation, the upazila administration was able to recover more than 2,200 square feet of government space.

When contacted, Sonargaon police station OC Mahabub Alam said that Sonargaon law enforcement and administration are determined to decongest Mograpara intersection and keep illegal shops free. If permanent and floating illegal shops again continue to be built on footpaths and surrounding public nuisance, I will again go for eviction drive and along with eviction, take legal action against illegal shopkeepers. He also said that continuous eviction campaign will be conducted.

Staff Reporter

From Sonargaon