Special Correspondent: Responding to long-standing public demands, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on Sunday conducted a large-scale eviction drive in Nikunja-2, clearing illegal structures along Road No. 1/A and restoring public access to one of the area’s most congested thoroughfares.
The operation, carried out under the direct supervision of DNCC Senior Executive Magistrate Marufa Akter Neli, saw bulldozers demolishing unauthorized establishments erected on both sides of the road from its eastern to western ends. Members of law enforcement agencies were also present to ensure the smooth execution of the drive.
According to DNCC officials, the operation was part of the corporation’s ongoing campaign to reclaim public roads, footpaths and other urban spaces from illegal occupation. However, Sunday’s action carried particular significance due to years of complaints from residents regarding encroachment and deteriorating law and order conditions in the area.
During the drive, authorities demolished both permanent and temporary structures that had occupied public land, including makeshift shops, commercial sheds and other unauthorized establishments that obstructed pedestrian movement and narrowed the roadway.
Residents said the encroachments had long been a source of frustration and concern. Beyond restricting public access, many of the structures had allegedly become gathering points for drug users and other anti-social elements.
Locals alleged that sections of Road No. 1/A had gradually turned into a hub for various unlawful activities, particularly after dark. They claimed that drug peddlers, muggers and juvenile gangs frequently used the area as a meeting point, creating a sense of insecurity among residents.
Women, school and college students, and other regular commuters were among those most affected by the situation, according to residents, who said they had repeatedly raised the issue with the relevant authorities.
The eviction drive follows a series of reports published in national media highlighting widespread encroachment on roads, footpaths, lakes and open spaces within the Nikunja residential area. Those reports drew attention to the erosion of the area’s planned residential character and the challenges posed to urban management and public safety.
The operation was welcomed by local residents, many of whom gathered at the site during the drive and expressed support for the initiative. Several residents also assisted officials by providing information regarding illegally occupied spaces.
Speaking on behalf of local residents, Jahid Ikbal, Convener of the Nikunja Tanpara Welfare Society and a senior journalist, described the drive as a significant step toward restoring the area’s residential environment.
“This is not merely the demolition of a few illegal structures. It is an effort to remove a long-standing source of insecurity and disorder from our community. For years, this road had become a refuge for encroachers and criminal elements. We want to build a modern, drug-free, encroachment-free and safe residential area for all residents,” he said.
He, however, urged the authorities to ensure that the reclaimed spaces remain free from future encroachment.
“In the past, similar drives were conducted, but illegal occupants returned after a short period. We hope the authorities will maintain strict monitoring so that the benefits of this operation become permanent,” he added.
Khilkhet Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sohrab Al Hossain also expressed commitment to maintaining law and order in the area following the eviction.
“Illegal structures often provide shelter for criminal activities. We will not allow this road to become a safe haven for offenders again. Police surveillance and regular patrols will continue to ensure the area remains safe and free from drug-related activities,” he said.
The OC further stated that law enforcement agencies would remain vigilant against any attempt to reoccupy public spaces or re-establish unlawful activities in the area.
While residents expressed relief following the operation, many also voiced concerns about the possibility of renewed encroachment if continuous monitoring is not ensured.
Local people recalled that previous attempts to free roads and footpaths from illegal occupation had yielded only temporary results due to inadequate follow-up measures.
They urged DNCC and law enforcement agencies to work jointly to prevent the return of encroachers and to preserve the gains achieved through Sunday’s operation.
Residents believe that sustained enforcement and administrative vigilance will be essential to ensuring that Nikunja-2 remains a safe, orderly and livable residential neighborhood in the years ahead.
