In Cox’s Bazar, an eviction drive along the Bankkhali River sparked protests yesterday when encroachers and their supporters blocked roads, burned tires, and vandalized an excavator. Hundreds demanded a halt to the operation, citing their homes and land. The district administration and BWTA were forced to pause the drive. Authorities say over 400 illegal structures have been removed and around 60 acres of riverbank recovered, following a High Court directive to clear encroachments and control pollution.