The eviction of chemical warehouses from Old Dhaka’s Bakshibazar area has resumed with Dhaka South Mayor Sayeed Khokon leading the drive after building owners resisted an initial attempt on Saturday (Mar 2).

Earlier, Dhaka South City Corporation (DNCC) task force was forced to cease their eviction campaign in the face of strong protest and resistance from the owners of the warehouses and buildings in the Bakshibazar area.

When informed, Khokon announced that he will lead the eviction drive himself.

“I will join the eviction task force. Let’s see, who resists,” he said.

In Saturday morning, utility connections to the buildings, housing chemical storages, were cut off ahead of the eviction drive.

According to Chawbazar police sources, the city corporation task force identified a chemical storage in a Joynag road residential house prompting them to turn off the electricity and gas connections to the building.

Meanwhile, some local traders started to protest and prevented DNCC personnel to disconnect the connections, forcing the taskforce to stop their operation.  

The mayor was informed about the situation after which he decided to lead the drive.

“I will go to the scene and oversee the eviction,” he said.

Terming the people who resisted as ‘corrupt businessmen’ Khokon said, “Legal actions will be taken against whoever attempts to obstruct the eviction.”

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