Illegal structure construction is on under Kalapara Bridge

Illegal structures under the Sheikh Kamal Bridge in Kalapara.

Patuakhali: Illegal structure construction is going on under the Sheikh Kamal Bridge in Kalapara municipality of the district. An influential people setup illegal structures on both sides of the road from hospital gate to ferry ghat is illegally giving out of money. It has been alleged that some have re-built the house and are selling the possession along with the house to petty traders. Apart from using these illegally built houses as various business establishments, drug consumption hangs out in the silence of the night. Besides, rent-a-cars are illegally parking under the Sheikh Kamal Bridge. Due to narrowing of the road, there is danger of accidents. Patients who come to the hospital for treatment are suffering. However, due to mysterious reasons, the R&H authorities have no visible intention to evacuate these structures.

According to sources, before this several illegal houses are being erected on both sides of Sheikh Kamal Bridge in front of the Upazila Health Complex. These illegal structures are now visible from the hospital gate to the ferry port. However, a few years ago, a terrible fire caused extensive damage to this bridge. At that time all kinds of shops were removed by the concerned administration. But again, a local influential group has entered into a competition to build illegal houses there.

Relatives of several patients who came to the hospital for treatment said that because of illegal shops and car parking on both sides of the road, it is very difficult for us to travel. Many times, to enter the hospital with emergency patients, one has to get into an artificial traffic jam in front of the gate.

Jasim Gazi, General Secretary of Kalapara Upazila Branch of Chemist and Druggist Association, said that houses are being built illegally here. Apart from this, the patients and their relatives have to face problems due to the illegal parking of rent-a-cars. He sought the approval of the appropriate authorities to remove them from here and arrange a permanent place for car parking.

Attempts were made to contact the R&H authorities to get a statement on this matter, but the statement was not received. 

Kalapara upazila executive officer Md. Jahangir Hossain said that there is no opportunity for illegal shop building and car parking by occupying the space under the bridge. Necessary measures will be taken in this regard. - Gofran Biswas Palash