HC seeks explanation over illegal establishments at Hatirjheel

The High Court on Wednesday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why directives would not be given to remove all the establishments, including restaurants, beyond the layout plan of Hatirjheel-Begunbari project.

At the same time, the rule also asked why directives would not be given to the respondents to take steps so that no more establishments beyond the layout plan could be established there in future.

The HC bench of Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kalam issued the rule after hearing of a supplementary petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB).

Chairman of Rajuk (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha), director of Hatirjheel-Begunbari project and five others concerned were asked to respond to the rule within two weeks.

Earlier on September 10, the High Court directed the authorities concerned to remove all the establishments beyond the layout plan of Hatirjheel-Begunbari project within seven days after hearing of a writ filed by HRPB.

The HC also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why directives would not be given to stop construction of structures beyond the layout plan of the project and protect the project as per the design.

Later, authorities of several establishments, built beyond the layout plan, filed an appeal with Supreme Court seeking stay of the HC order.

On October 14 last, the SC passed status quo on the order and also ordered disposing of the rule issued by the HC within two months.

HRPB lawyer Manzil Murshid said that the supplementary petition was filed seeking directives to bulldoze the illegal establishments.

Now, after hearing the HC issued the rule.

Source: unb