Officials of Dhaka Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division recovered three acres of forest land in Gazipur's Sadar upazila on Tuesday.
Sharmin Akhter, divisional forest officer, told media, “We have conducted a drive under the supervision of Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and with the cooperation of the joint forces. Such operation to evict houses illegally built on the forest land will continue in the future.”
The operation was conducted in the Bhawanipur Bit area of Bhawal Range of Gazipur of the Dhaka Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division.
She added the drive started from Bhabanipur Guchchagram in Sadar and ended in Tetultala area of Dargarchala. During the operation, 100 illegally built houses were demolished and a total of three acres of reserved forest land was recovered.
Gazipur Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Ershad Mia, Gazipur District Administration Additional Magistrate Mamunur Rashid, Divisional Forest Officer of Dhaka Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department Sharmin Akhter and others were present.
Meanwhile, acting on the directive of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, a joint operation was conducted at Kapilatoli Mouza under Rajendrapur East Beat of Gazipur's Sripur Upazila.
During the operation, 120 illegal structures, including newly built and under-construction buildings, were demolished. This action freed approximately 6 acres of forestland from illegal occupation, with an estimated market value of around 50 crore taka.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of the Gazipur District Administration and led by the Sripur Upazila Nirbahi Officer. The joint forces included the Army, RAB, Forest Department, and Police.
It was stated that such operations will continue to protect forestland, wildlife, and biodiversity.
