Encroachment on the banks of the Bankkhali River in Cox’s Bazar began immediately after the February 12 election, with individuals reportedly using the name of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to justify their actions. Witnesses said the process started on the night of the vote and that more than 50 tin structures have already been built along the river. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), responsible for river management, has sent letters to 15 government offices requesting urgent intervention to stop the illegal occupation.

Cox’s Bazar port officer Md. Abdul Wakil Sarkar confirmed that those previously evicted are now reoccupying the riverbank, and legal measures are being taken. Former city JCD joint secretary Shafayat Munna stated that the occupiers used BNP banners and posters to build illegal structures, which were later removed under the direction of newly elected MP Lutfur Rahman Kajol. Kajol urged police to arrest the encroachers and clarified that the BNP has no connection with the incident.

The BIWTA has also requested immediate action from the district administration and law enforcement agencies to prevent further encroachment.