Lalmonirhat Correspondent

The Bangladesh Railway authorities have successfully reclaimed a parcel of land near the ‘BDR Gate’ level crossing in Lalmonirhat, which had been under illegal occupation for four decades. The eviction drive was conducted under the directive of Divisional Railway Manager Liaquat Sharif Khan and led by Divisional Engineer and Estate Officer Nazeeb Quaisaar.

Earlier, on January 12, 2025, an initial eviction attempt faced resistance from local traders, who had established permanent fruit stalls on the occupied land over the past 40 years. Following a five-day suspension, the railway authorities resumed the operation with increased resolve. Despite initial confrontations, the eviction concluded peacefully through dialogue, effectively ending the prolonged encroachment.

Upon reclaiming the land, the railway authorities initiated fencing work to secure the area. Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Quaisaar extended gratitude to the Commandant, Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB), and the Officer-in-Charge of the Government Railway Police (GRP) for their assistance. He announced plans to transform the recovered land into a ‘Railway Garden’ through extensive tree planting.

Notably, on January 21, 2025, Bangladesh Railway’s General Manager (West), Mamunul Islam, visited the Lalmonirhat Railway Division and officially inaugurated the ‘Railway Garden’ by planting a tree.

Rail enthusiasts have lauded this decisive action by the Lalmonirhat railway authorities. The conscious community urges that all encroached railway lands be similarly reclaimed and utilized for constructing various facilities and rail lines to make Bangladesh Railway more dynamic and contemporary. They desire firm eviction drives to free the railway from encroachers, regardless of who they are.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment by Bangladesh Railway to reclaim its lands from illegal occupants and utilize them for infrastructural development and public amenities.