The DCC chief estate officer wrote to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on October 20, requesting adequate police force to assist in demolishing the illegal structures on its land.

"October 25 was the deadline set to demolish illegal flower shops, restaurants, stationery and other outlets. As the DMP was unable to provide necessary force, we could not carry out operations by the deadline," said a DCC estate department official, seeking anonymity.

"We need 200 constables, but we are provided with only 10," the official added.

"Local gangsters have occupied DCC's land for long. We must carry out eviction drives. But without adequate police force, the lives of the officials engaged in the drives are at risk," the DCC official said.

DCC's two magistrates wait to do their part on schedule for eviction, putting on hold other responsibilities.

On October 28, the DCC attempted to demolish buildings on part of the 30-foot road and its pavements in ward No. 42 at Zohuri Mohollah, which were occupied by local influential people.

Some shops have taken up almost of 20 feet of the road in front of Badsha Faisal Institute. "Our eviction date was on October 29 and once again we failed," the official said.

The DCC also planned to oust the occupants of the illegal structures at Mohammadpur Shahid Park and Town Hall Market on November 1.

The eviction drives were targeted against some shops of ward No. 5 on November 4, some in the south east corner of Dhaka Government Complex of ward No. 52 on November 8 and a few unauthorised tenants of Azimpur Super Market of ward No. 62 on November 10.

Despite repeated attempts, the deputy commissioner (DMP west) could not be contacted for comment.

"We could not comply with DCC's request as large numbers of policemen were engaged in maintaining law and order during Ramadan," a DMP official said, asking not to be named.