Ukhiya, Nov 20 (V7N) – The Ukhiya Upazila Administration and the Forest Department have demolished 250 illegal shops during a joint eviction drive in the Balukhali Mora Gachhtala area, adjacent to the Rohingya camps. The operation, conducted between noon and 2 p.m. on Thursday, also resulted in the recovery of nearly five acres of encroached forest land.
 
Local residents alleged that a powerful syndicate had been collecting between Tk 10 lakh to 20 lakh every month as rent from these illegally established shops. Officials confirmed that the structures had been operating on government land for years, posing risks to forest conservation, security, and planned settlement management in the region.
 
The eviction drive was led by Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Chowdhury and Ukhiya Range Officer Abdul Mannan. Police personnel and local administration officials participated in the operation, while additional security measures were deployed to prevent any unrest.
 
Forest Department officials said the drive was essential to restore the area’s ecological integrity and curb long-standing illegal occupation. Range Officer Abdul Mannan confirmed the demolition of 250 shops and the recovery of approximately five acres of forest land. He added that legal action will soon be taken against those responsible for encroachment.
 
Authorities stated that the operation concluded without major disturbances.
 
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