Eviction of encroachers from rivers, canals in Bagerhat demanded

 
BAGERHAT, July 27: Residents of Bagerhat on Sunday demanded the eviction of influential encroachers from government-owned rivers and canals, saying illegal occupation of waterways is disrupting irrigation, hampering agriculture and fuelling local conflicts.

The demand came at a press conference held at the Bagerhat Press Club, where a written statement was read out by Imran Sheikh on behalf of local residents.

He said the government has launched initiatives to re-excavate canals across the country, but many rivers and canals in Bagerhat remain under the illegal occupation of influential individuals.

According to the statement, encroachment of government canals has deprived farmers of irrigation water during the cultivation season, affecting agricultural production. It also alleged that local people are often unable to protest against the occupiers due to fear of reprisals.

Although the administration occasionally conducts eviction drives, the canals are allegedly reoccupied shortly afterwards, he said.

The speakers urged the authorities to permanently free all government canals in the district and ensure public access to the waterways.

Earlier in the day, more than a hundred young people staged a sit-in in front of the Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner's Office, holding placards and chanting slogans demanding the recovery of encroached rivers and canals.