Mayor Atiq gives 2-day ultimatum to Mirpur's Paris Canal occupiers to move out

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam has given a two-day ultimatum to the Mirpur's Paris Canal grabber to move out.

He said the city corporation will launch a drive Friday to recover the canal from encroachers.

"On Friday morning, I will be present and start the eviction drive. We will clean the canal with city corporation staff, BD Clean volunteers and local residents. It will be restored to its original form," said the mayor after inspecting the canal at Mirpur-11 on Wednesday.

Atiq said the drive will continue until the canal is cleared of dirt and encroachment.

"There is no solution other than eviction. Those who live here must leave. When the eviction drive starts, there will be no scope to stay," he added. 

"Even a little rain causes flooding in the area, because water cannot flow through this canal." 

Seeking the cooperation of local people in restoring the canal, he said once the canal is cleared, no one will be able to throw garbage there. 

"We will install CCTV cameras on the bank of the canal. Strict action will be taken against littering," he warned.

The mayor further said there are plans to construct walkways and bicycle lanes alongside it.