‘Illegal structures on riverbanks in Dhaka to be removed by 2024’

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has said illegal establishments along the riverbanks in Dhaka will be evicted by 2024 and a green belt will be built around the rivers by planting trees on both sides of the rivers.   

The state minister said this while inaugurating a tree plantation programme on the bank of Turag River at Birulia in Savar on Monday.

Already 90 percent of the eviction drives had been completed, said Khalid Mahmud.

"The canals leading to the Buriganga, the Turag, the Shitalakkha and the Balu rivers will be renovated so that water vessels can ply through the canals also," said the state minister.  

When asked whether the river banks would be re-occupied after the eviction, the state minister said, "Strict actions would be taken if anyone tries to re-occupy the riverbanks."