Locals in Dhaka's Dhamrai area have called for immediate action to halt construction activities along the Bangshi River.
A written application was submitted to the Dhamrai upazila nirbahi officer on Sunday regarding the matter.
The application highlighted the ongoing constructions near Sharif Bag Bailey Bridge in Dhamrai Sadar union, stating that necessary measures must be taken to halt construction encroaching on the riverbank.
It further pointed out that such constructions have caused concern among locals and could potentially encourage land grabbers to encroach on the river in other areas, threatening the river's natural boundaries.
Therefore, it is crucial to halt the constructions if they do not comply with the natural boundaries of the river, the application further added.
Dhaka TribuneThe application was signed by several organizations and individuals, including Dhamrai Shocheton Nagorik Committee, Prothom Alo assistant editor, Jahangirnagar University deputy registrar, Swapnodana and Bangladesh Nodi Bachao Andolon.
Dhamrai Shocheton Nagorik Committee President Md Imran Hossain expressed concern about the construction on the encroached riverbank, stating that it could lead to more people in the area engaging in similar activities.
"There is no alternative to keeping the river's natural course intact to protect the environmental balance and maintain a beautiful and habitable environment for future generations," said Imran.
"We demand the constructions be stopped until the natural boundaries of the Bangshi River are identified, and we believe that now is the right time to take necessary action against those who have already built permanent structures on the riverbank through encroachment," he added.
Dhamrai Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hossain Mohammed Hye Joki assured that a surveyor had been sent to the site to assess the situation.
He mentioned that those behind the constructions claimed the land as their own and that necessary action would be taken based on the surveyor's report.