HC issues rule over illegal structures on Cox’s Bazar sea beach
A High Court bench passed the order after holding hearing on a writ filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA)
The High Court (HC) today issued a rule asking authorities concerned to explain why it shall not direct them to evict or demolish illegal structures raised on Cox's Bazar sea beach.
A High Court division bench comprising Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman passed the order today after holding hearing on a writ filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA).
The court asked 22 officials including cabinet secretary, environment secretary, tourism secretary, housing and public works secretary and public administration secretary to reply the rule within next three months.
Advocate Minhazul Haque Chowdhury and Advocate Sayeed Ahmed Kabir moved the plea for petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Amit Talukder appeared for the state.
"The court also issued rule, asking the defendants to explain why their 'failure' in protecting the hills, hillocks and forest areas in Cox's Bazar Sadar, Teknaf, Moheshkhali, Ramu, Chakaria and Pekua upazillas, shall not be declared illegal," advocate Kabir told newsmen.
The court also asked the defendants to explain why their 'failure' to stop encroachment of parts of 120 kilometres sea beach, raising illegal structures, pollution by industrial buildings, dumping wastage and use of disposable plastic products, shall not be declared illegal.
