Mongla, Nov 11 (V7N) — The Mongla Port Authority commenced a large-scale operation to clear illegal encroachments from its land on Monday. The initiative, led by Executive Magistrate Sunjit Kumar, targeted both sides of Marine Drive in the old port area. On the first day of the operation, 70 illegally built structures occupying 2 acres were removed.

Present at the scene were Mongla Port Authority’s Director of Administration, Md. Nuruzzaman, Deputy Director of the Board and Public Relations, Md. Makruzzaman, and officials from the Property Branch, all working to reclaim port land.

According to the Port Authority, a total of 1,170 illegal structures span across 10 acres of its land, with this week’s operation marking the beginning of a phased process to recover these areas. "Today, we successfully cleared 2 acres, and our operation will persist until all 1,170 illegal structures are removed," said Executive Magistrate Sunjit Kumar.

The port’s land has faced repeated encroachment issues since the area was initially cleared in 2007 under a previous caretaker government. Despite numerous notices to vacate, influential individuals have reoccupied the land. Port officials confirmed that the operation will continue, showing a strong commitment to reclaiming all port property.

END/AHS/AJ