Amidst a surge in encroachments along the Padma River in Rajshahi, a disturbing revelation emerges: local businessmen anonymously disclose paying extortion fees of Tk 100-200 per shop to a political leader. This illicit practice underscores the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, highlighting the nexus between politics and commerce in the region.

Rajshahi June 10,(V7N)- The Padma River in Rajshahi is suffering from widespread encroachment. From Bairpara to Talaimari, a stretch of about 7 kilometers, various establishments such as restaurants, houses, toy shops, and entertainment centers have been set up through illegal occupation.

Approximately 650 encroachers are exploiting the riverbank and even parts of the river itself. Roads have been constructed within the river through landfilling, and the flood protection embankment has also been encroached upon. This has not only marred the beauty of the Padma but also altered its natural course, according to experts. Despite this long-standing issue, no significant action has been taken, emboldening the encroachers further.

An on-site visit revealed numerous shops constructed by filling in the northern bank of the Padma near Alupatty. Shyamal Dutta, a local resident and general secretary of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council's Rajshahi district branch, has also filled a portion of the land. Nearby, several fast food shops have been established on the reclaimed land.

In Panchbati, multiple houses have been built under the flood protection embankment. In Borokuthi, large areas under the embankment have been filled to construct several restaurants and fast food shops, most of which are rented out. Local influential figures or members of the Political circles have rented out these shops. Every day, around 50 shops operate here, including fast food outlets, pickle shops, and toy stores.

Some of the businessmen, speaking anonymously, stated that they pay a local Political leader Tk 100-200 per shop as extortion money. Without paying, it's impossible to run a shop there.

Additionally, Rajshahi City Corporation has developed a park and restaurant in Pathanpara, which has been rented out. The 5-bigha area near Lalon Shah Stage was leased to former national cricket team coach Khaled Mashud Pilot about three years ago. A part of the flood protection embankment has been fenced off to create a park, which has enhanced the beauty of the Padma bank. This park, now a popular recreation center, features several free rides for children, attracting hundreds of families every evening.

Anisur Rahman, a visitor, said that although the park was built by encroaching on river land, it has been beautifully developed, fulfilling a significant recreational need in Rajshahi.

Beside Lalon Shah Stage, the 'Nongor' restaurant sees hundreds of patrons daily. Ripon Ali, the manager of Nongor, said, "We leased the land from Rajshahi City Corporation. Previously, it was a den for drug dealers. Now, it's a clean, safe place for people to relax and enjoy."

Below Nongor, a road has been constructed within the river, lined with over a hundred shops selling snacks, fuchka, and children's toys. Local residents collect Tk 50-100 daily from each shop as extortion money. Habil Uddin, a shopkeeper, said, "You have to pay some money to run a shop. Those who collect the money are local residents. Without payment, there would be chaos."

Nadia Khatun, a college student visiting the area, remarked that the shops along the riverbank have significantly reduced the natural beauty of the Padma. Even though grass or vegetation on the river's sandbars is aesthetically pleasing, the encroachment for shops has ruined the natural environment.

Nearby, two large mango orchards house the restaurants 'Simanta Nongor' and 'Simanta Abokash,' both run by the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB). Several permanent structures, including three two-story buildings, have been constructed by encroaching on the river land.

In Srirampur, hundreds of houses have been established on the river's sandbars, where thousands have lived for years. This settlement lies just below the flood protection embankment.

Rajshahi river researcher Mahbub Siddiqui lamented, "Once, the Padma in Rajshahi was teeming with hilsa fish, and steamboats were a major mode of transport. Now, the river is dying due to encroachment. The Padma is losing its vitality, turning into sandbars except during the monsoon. No government has taken any effective measures to protect the river, making encroachers more aggressive. Encroachment is altering the river’s course, eroding its banks, and displacing people. Our selfish actions are destroying the river."

He added, "The Padma has lost its natural beauty due to encroachment. We must save the Padma. While the upstream Farakka Barrage by India has already degraded the river, our own obstacles will further ruin it."

Rajshahi Water Development Board’s Executive Engineer Arifur Rahman stated, "About 7 kilometers from Bairpara to Talaimari has been encroached upon. We have listed 600 encroachers occupying hundreds of acres. Letters have been sent to the district commissioner for eviction, but no effective action has been taken."

Rajshahi City Corporation’s Chief Engineer Nur Islam Tushar commented, "We developed the Lalon Shah Stage on the Padma bank. It hosts various cultural events daily, providing entertainment for visitors."

Rajshahi District Commissioner Shamim Ahmed assured, "We are working on the encroachment issue. It’s our loss if the river is encroached upon. We will take action against the encroachers soon. Those who have set up businesses will be given time before taking legal action."

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