Saturday, August 14, 2010 Shahana Siddiqui Few hours is all that was needed to destroy 2.5 acres of households. THURSDAY, 5 August. The police assure concerned basti bashis of Sattala, Mohakhali that no eviction would happen. The people believe the police officers and go on with their daily activities. The noon prayers end. Riot police suddenly appear, armed and ready to go. Demolition workers from nearby slums accompany the enforcements. A high up government officer takes a microphone and obscurely tells the people that their homes will be demolished. You have 30 minutes to evacuate. The race against time starts.... NOW! Chaos takes over. Two bulldozers appear. Riot police take position to put anyone out of line. Because to protest against the destruction of one's home would be wrong, would be illegal. Oh wait, that's what they are -- illegal. Thousands of people, homes, households are all illegal. They should not have been here to begin with. Go back to where you came from. I...
