The New Nation - Internet Edition

LGRD Adviser Anwarul Iqbal visiting the site of the
'Integrated Development of Hatirjheel area including
Begunbari Khal project' after inaugurating the construction
work on Thursday Banglar Chokh

UNB, Dhaka

LGRD Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal Thursday categorically said the government would not spare any structure, legal or illegal, while implementing the 'integrated development of Hatirjheel area including Begunbari Khal project'. "Be they legal or illegal, we won't leave out any structure during the implementation of the project," he said at a press briefing at the temporary army camp at Hatirjheel on the eve of starting construction work of the 'integrated development of Hatirjheel area including Begunbari Khal project'.

Replying to a question, the Adviser said the BGMEA authorities had failed to show any approved plan for their building project in the area. He informed that a part of the structure of Sonargaon Hotel would also come under demolition. But, replying to a query, he said he was not aware if the expanded structure of Sonargaon Hotel was built on Hatirjheel legally or illegally.

To implement the Hatirjheel project, the government had to demolish 11 existing structures. On October 8 last year, the government approved the project costing Tk 1473.59 crore.

The primary objectives of the project is to ensure protection of required area for storm water retention, to restore the degraded environment of the Hatirjheel area and to connect an important east-west missing link between two major arterial roads.