Bangladesh launches massive drive to clean up capital

DHAKA, Jan 28 (Reuters) Bulldozers aided by hundreds of workmen using hammers and shovels tore down illegal structures in the Bangladesh capital and other cities today in a drive to clean up urban areas.

The drive was launched after the country was put under emergency rules two weeks ago and aims to clear cities of unauthorised construction and free up pavements and clogged walkways illegally occupied by hawkers and small shoppers.

Municipal officials and magistrates supervising the drive have also asked for city walls to be cleaned of posters and graffiti.

''This is amazing,'' said a woman walking with her children on a footpath at Dhaka's busy Farmgate area. ''Only few days ago, it was impossible to pass through here,'' she said.

''Driving has become easier with wider roads and less traffic,'' said Shahidul Haque, a senior government official.

''Walls have been painted white and anyone trying to write on them again will face up to three months in jail and a fine,'' he added.

Witnesses said hundreds of buildings, shops and other structures along the city roads have been pulled down.

At some demolition spots, building owners clashed with police.

The Police detained an unspecified number of people.

REUTERS DKA BD1640