NOAKHALI, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - The upazila administration on Monday demolished hundreds of illegal structures encroaching on a highway in Begumganj upazila of the district as part of a special drive to ease public suffering and widen the road.

The drive was jointly conducted by the Begumganj Upazila Administration and the Roads and Highway Department today (Monday). 

Begumganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Kayesur Rahman said illegal shops, tin sheds and extended portions of permanent structures on both sides of the road were removed. He said the encroachments had long been causing severe traffic congestion and disrupting pedestrian movement, particularly at busy intersections.

Officials said the eviction was necessary to facilitate road widening and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Noakhali Roads and Highway Department Executive Engineer Md Farid Uddin and Begumganj Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Sadat Hossain were present during the operation.