The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has instructed Dhaka Boat Club Limited to vacate 10.7315 acres of land in Savar that it has allegedly occupied illegally, warning of legal action if the directive is not heeded within seven days.
In a letter addressed to the club’s president on Tuesday (28 January), the BWDB stated that the land in question was originally acquired for the construction of a flood control embankment under the Dhaka Integrated Flood Protection Project.
The letter reads: "You, the president of Dhaka Boat Club Limited, have illegally occupied a total of 10.7315 acres of land along the Turag riverbank, which was acquired by the BWDB."
It further mentions that while the board had previously granted permission to the club to utilise 0.55 acres in the same area, the club unlawfully included an additional 10.7315 acres of BWDB land within its boundary wall.
The board described this as an "entirely unlawful, illegal act constituting trespassing on government land."
Signed by ML Saikat, executive engineer of the BWDB, the letter issued a final directive: "Under these circumstances, you are hereby directed to vacate the 10.7315 acres of land within the next seven days."
Past Allegations and Eviction Warnings
The Dhaka Boat Club, which was previously presided over by former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, has faced multiple allegations of land encroachment.
In September last year, government authorities signalled possible eviction measures against the club, citing violations of regulations that prohibit construction within 200 yards of the Turag River’s boundary.
Several environmental and social organisations have also raised concerns, claiming that the club—established in 2021—was built on occupied river land. Activists have long called for the demolition of the illegal structures.
Club’s Background and Claims
Officially launched in February 2021, Dhaka Boat Club Limited (DBCL) describes itself as Dhaka’s premier recreational boating and social club.
According to its website, the club was originally established in 1985 and is located on the picturesque shores of the Turag River.
Despite these claims, the recent BWDB directive raises questions about the legitimacy of the club’s land usage and could lead to legal consequences if the eviction order is not complied with.