<i>River land occupied to build public toilet!</i>
When the government is taking steps to free river lands across the country Pabna Municipality has started construction of public toilets occupying the lands of Ichhamoti River flowing through the town.
Pabna municipality authorities have started construction of two public toilets at a cost of Tk 8.4 lakh, said officials.
But one of them, containing seven units, is being constructed on a piece of land in Pabna Boro Bridge area beside Ichhamoti River, said officials and locals.
The land belongs to the river, sources said, adding that the municipality authority has started construction of the public toilet through proper tendering process.
When contacted, Pabna municipality Executive Engineer Md Tabibur Rahman said, "The municipality authority has selected the place beside the river because this is a place of public important and there is no other alternative for the purpose."
Construction of toilets on the riverbank has sparked protest among the conscious citizens who brought the matter to the district law and order meeting on Saturday, said officials.
"The matter was discussed in district law and order meeting. We are investigating the matter and the step would be taken. No person or organisation has the right to construct any building in the river land. This is absolutely illegal," Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Emam Uddin Kabir said.
Demanding immediate removal of the illegal structure, Md Abdul Hamid, secretary of Pabna district unit of Paribesh Andolon, said, “As Ichhamati River flows in the area, the municipality authority should take step to free the river land but they have become the occupier. It will inspire the grabbers of river land, making it difficult to remove illegal structure on the Ichhamati.”
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments