Mymensingh Correspondent:
The administration has launched a drive to evict illegal establishments built on the site of the Roads and Highways (Sawj) Department in the Square Masterbari Bazar area of Habirbari Union in Bhaluka Upazila on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway. The drive was conducted on Monday (August 25, 2025) morning by the joint initiative of the Upazila Administration and Sawj.
Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Iqbal Hossain led the drive. Bhaluka Upazila Executive Officer Hasan Abdullah Al Mahmud, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhaluka Model Police Station Md. Humayun Kabir and Sub-Divisional Engineer of Sawj Mymensingh Division Mofakhkharul Islam Tuhin were present at the time.
According to local sources, an influential group has been occupying land on roads and townships for a long time and building markets. A large sum of money was collected from traders to set up shops in these establishments. A security of 1 lakh taka and a monthly rent of 8 thousand taka were charged for big shops. On the other hand, a one-time security of 10 thousand taka and a daily rent of 200 taka were being charged for small shops.
As a result of the operation, several establishments built in the area were demolished. Locals allege that these illegal encroachments had been going on for a long time, with the administration turning a blind eye.
The Soj and Upazila administrations have said that such operations will continue to free the encroachments on roads and townships. Locals say that this operation will reduce the influence of illegal encroachments and will have a positive impact on reducing traffic congestion.