A signboard bearing the text 'Freedom Fighter Family Housing Society - Kamrangirchar' has been installed in the middle of a large canal of the Buriganga River near Kamrangirchar embankment in Dhaka. Photo: Sumit Ahmed
A large canal of the Buriganga River near Shahid Nagar, adjacent to the Kamrangirchar embankment in Dhaka, was recently freed from illegal encroachments. However, about a month ago, an unidentified group placed a signboard in the middle of the canal bearing the text “Freedom Fighter Family Housing Society - Kamrangirchar” under the banner of Muktijoddha Shangshad before leaving the area.
The Daily Observer investigated the situation, speaking to local residents and contacting Kamrangirchar police station. However, no clear information about the incident was provided.
A tea stall owner from the area stated, “Around 20-25 days ago, I suddenly noticed the signboard in the middle of the canal. I don’t know who installed it.”
Mukhtar Hossain, a boatman, shared, “About a month ago, six or seven people brought the signboard, rented a boat, placed it in the middle of the canal, and then left.”
An anonymous local scrap dealer speculated, “It’s unlikely that outsiders could come here and set up such a signboard without local backing. I suspect influential locals might be involved.” However, when asked who he thought might be involved, he declined to comment further.
The signboard includes detailed information about the land and a mobile number, though the number was partially obscured with white paint. Upon dialing the number, it was found to be disconnected.
When asked about the issue, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kamrangirchar police station said, “I have no knowledge about this signboard or who might have placed it.”
Despite recent efforts to clear illegal encroachments, significant portions of the Buriganga River and its connected canals in the Kamrangirchar embankment area remain visibly occupied. Local residents fear that new encroachment activities may arise, threatening to reverse the progress made in clearing the waterways.
