DHAKA, Feb 24, 2019 (BSS) – The High Court (HC) today ordered authorities
concerned to stop extraction of stones from the Sangu and Matamuhri rivers,
nearby springs and canals in Bandarban.
A High Court division bench comprising Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury
and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal passed the order, asking 10 including
environment Secretary, Director General of Department of Environment, Deputy
Commissioner of Bandarban and local Superintendant of Police to comply with
the order.
The court also asked them to submit a report on progress of the work
before it in 30 days.
The High Court also issued a rule, asking the respondents to explain in
four weeks as to why their ‘inaction and negligence’ in stopping the stone
extraction so far shall not be declared illegal.
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association (BELA), Bangladesh Paribesh
Andolan (BAPA), Adibashi Forum, Nijera Kori, Kapeng Foundation, Association
for Land Reform and Development (ALRD) and a local inhabitant Mong Soi Pru
filed a writ in this regard.
Barrister Md Abdul Halim moved the plea before the court.