Authorities in Gazipur demolished more than 100 illegal structures on protected forest land Monday, reclaiming nearly two acres in an operation targeting encroachment and pollution.
The drive took place in the Bhawanipur Beat area, removing 120 structures spread across 1.95 acres in Bhawanipur Mouza. It was carried out under orders from the Ministry of Environment and led by the divisional forest officer of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division in Dhaka.
Officials said the action is part of a wider effort to protect remaining forestland from gradual loss through private occupation.
Alongside the demolition, mobile courts were deployed in four districts. These teams enforced the ban on polythene shopping bags and tackled noise pollution, with support from local administrations.
In Jessore’s Chougachha Market, officials seized 66 kilograms of banned polythene from Sattar Store and fined the owner Tk5,000. In Chandpur, an anti-noise pollution operation near the Circuit House removed five hydraulic horns from three vehicles, with fines totaling Tk2,500.
Two shops in the Tomsom Bridge area of Comilla were found with around 100 kilograms of polythene. Authorities issued fines of Tk30,000. In Narayanganj’s Wapda Pool area, 18 kilograms of polythene were seized from three shops, leading to Tk7,000 in fines.
The Environment Ministry is doubling down, promising more of these operations nationwide. Their position is firm: this sustained pressure is absolutely necessary to halt illegal building, get a handle on pollution, and preserve the environment.
The news brought relief to some locals who said they’ve watched the forest shrink for years. Still, others are wary. They pointed out that similar efforts in the past have always lost steam, leaving them to wonder how long this one will actually last.
The forest department says the land reclaimed in Gazipur will remain under its protection, with no plans for development or leasing. Whether that promise holds may depend on how often these operations return.
