‘They’ll lose councillorship if found involved’

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam yesterday said if they find allegation of canal grabbing against any councillor and if it is proven, he or she will lose their councillorship.

"If it is verified through probe that a councillor has grabbed a canal land then his/her councillorship will be cancelled. Even if we get evidence of their involvement with the grabbing, they will lose their councillorship," he said.

The DNCC mayor said this while inaugurating the Khidirkhal after its re-excavation at sluice gate point in Uttara sector-11.

The canal was blocked by a structure constructed illegally by an influential person.

Atiqul said though the canal ran through both sides of the sluice gate, during a visit on March 16 he did not see any connectivity as an illegal structure was blocking it, he added.

"I have dismantled the structure by taking help from local lawmaker, councillors, Awami League leaders and locals," he said. Atiqul said he has already directed his chief estate officer and local councillor to identify the width of the canal observing the last map.

If necessary, they will have to break the wall of the adjoining hospital and they have already got positive consent from its director, the mayor said.

Pointing towards Rajuk and other government agencies, the mayor said  their mentality has to be changed. They should not only allot plots; but  also keep space for dumping yards.

"Also, check CS, RS and  city survey maps before allotting any plot... If you allot  plots without verification, people will have to suffer for that. You  have to visit the location first before allotment," the mayor said.

Pointing towards a road nearby, the mayor also said, "See how the road became narrow due to encroachment." He said they will continue their drives to free canals from grabbers with the help of public representatives and locals.

Among others, chief executive officer of DNCC Md Selim Reza, chief estate officer Md Mozammel Haque, ward-51 councillor Mohammad Sharifur Rahman, councillor (reserved seat) Jakia Sultana were present.