The Bangladesh Water Development Board (WDB), with backing from the district administration, police, and Bangladesh Army, has intensified efforts to remove illegal encroachments along Dhaka’s western flood control embankment. The large-scale eviction drive, which began recently, has already reclaimed nearly 100 acres of government land on the first day alone, with plans to recover more than 1,000 acres over the coming weeks.
The operation targets unauthorized structures on government-acquired land that is crucial for flood management along the embankment, a 30.2-kilometer-long barrier constructed after the devastating 1988 flood. The embankment stretches from Old Dhaka to Uttara Abdullahpur, passing through densely populated and industrial areas such as Shyampur, Dholai Khal, Lalbagh, Kamrangirchar, Hazaribagh, Mohammadpur, Adabor, Kallyanpur, Shah Ali, Digun Khal, Turag, Tongi Khal, and Uttara Abdullahpur.
On the initial day, the eviction drive concentrated on a 4-kilometer stretch from Goranchatbari point to near Panchabati, where a significant number of illegal structures were demolished. The operation included the removal of commercial establishments linked to well-known companies such as Maisha Construction Ltd, Karim Ready Mix, ABC Ready Mix, Shell, Sadi Filling Station, Jack Bangladesh etc.
The drive is being conducted in phases, with the initial phase focusing on the area from Digun Khal to Gabtoli. Authorities plan to extend operations systematically along the entire embankment to ensure complete clearance of illegal encroachments. The WDB expects that the drive will significantly enhance flood management capacity and prevent future risks posed by unauthorized construction on this vital infrastructure.
However, the eviction campaign faces operational challenges. The WDB lacks independent authority and manpower to carry out such drives and must rely on the presence of an executive magistrate from the Deputy Commissioner’s office and security forces, including the Army and police, to support enforcement actions. This dependency often causes delays, as the availability of magistrates and supporting forces can be limited.
Experts note that while eviction drives like this are common during transitional political periods, their long-term success hinges on sustained political will and a comprehensive strategy to prevent reoccupation of cleared land. In Dhaka’s dense urban environment, vacant land near roads and public areas is quickly seized again if left unused. Therefore, to ensure lasting impact, the government needs to develop clear plans for utilizing reclaimed land effectively. Proposals include transforming these areas into green spaces, planting trees, constructing commuter facilities, or other infrastructure that discourages illegal occupation.
The current drive aligns with a broader government initiative to restore and protect Dhaka’s water infrastructure. Since the interim government took office in August last year, coordinated efforts have been underway to revive 19 key canals and reclaim government lands throughout the country. Senior advisers on environment, housing, and local government have actively participated in these initiatives, reflecting a commitment to improving Dhaka’s flood resilience and urban management.
The western flood management embankment, a critical line of defense built after the catastrophic 1988 floods, plays an essential role in controlling water flow and protecting the city from seasonal flooding. Illegal encroachments along the embankment not only reduce its capacity but also create safety hazards and complicate water management efforts.
With the drive continuing in coming weeks, authorities hope to restore the embankment’s integrity fully, enhancing Dhaka’s ability to manage floods and ensuring that government lands remain protected from future illegal occupation.
