Thirty-Five Illegal Structures Demolished in Durgapur

Authorities in Durgapur, Netrokona, have launched a major operation to remove illegally constructed structures encroaching upon land owned by the Roads and Highways Department. On Monday, 16 March, a total of thirty-five shops were demolished during the enforcement action.

The operation was conducted in the Utrail area of the municipal town through a coordinated effort between the Upazila administration and the Roads and Highways Department. Senior officials overseeing the operation included Partha Protim Mitra, Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Afroza Afsana, and Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Md. Mizanur Rahman, along with local police and other relevant officers.

The demolition targeted structures that had been illegally occupying government land for an extended period. These shops and small commercial constructions were found to obstruct public pathways and encroach upon areas designated for roads and other public infrastructure.

Md. Mizanur Rahman stated, “A total of thirty-five shops on Roads and Highways Department land have been removed today. Our operations to clear illegal structures from government land will continue until all encroachments are eliminated. It is vital to maintain public access and safeguard government property.”

Partha Protim Mitra added, “We have initiated a programme to identify and remove illegal constructions systematically. The land owned by the department will be gradually freed from encroachment, and similar operations will continue in the future to protect public spaces.”

The following table summarises the types and numbers of structures removed during the operation:

Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the demolitions. While some shop owners claimed they had been conducting business at these sites for years and were adversely affected by the sudden action, the authorities emphasised that public land must remain accessible and free from unauthorised occupation.

Officials also highlighted that the operation was part of a broader campaign to ensure government lands are preserved for public use, including roads, pathways, and other essential infrastructure. They assured the public that future monitoring will prevent further illegal occupation and promote safer, more organised urban spaces.

The Upazila administration has urged citizens to refrain from constructing on government land and to cooperate with officials to ensure the effective use of public resources. Authorities have confirmed that similar operations will be carried out in other parts of the municipality to maintain law and order and protect public property.

This campaign reflects a determined effort to enforce land regulations and prevent encroachment on areas designated for public benefit, aiming to improve infrastructure, accessibility, and urban planning in Durgapur.