DHAKA: The High Court directed authorities concerned to maintain a ‘status quo’ for six months on constructing establishments on Inani and Sugandha points of Cox’s Bazar sea beach.  

The HC bench of Justices Moinul Islam Chowdhury and Md Ashraful Kamal passed the order, after holding an initial hearing upon a writ petition Monday (Dec 3).

The petition was filed on behalf of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), for public interest.

Lawyer Sayeed Ahmed Kabir moved for the plea, at the courtroom. 

On Jun 13, Cox’s Bazar Beach Management Committee decided to construct marketplaces on Inani and Sugandha beach points, at a meeting with Cox’s Bazar deputy commissioner in chair, said Sayeed.

The decision has become contradictory to the laws of environment preservation.   

A legal notice was served to the authorities following media reports.

On Monday, the HC also issued a rule in this regard.
 
Authorities concerned including the secretary of environment, forest and climate change ministry and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation have been asked to reply within four weeks why the decision of Cox’s Bazar Beach Management Committee won’t be declared illegal and unconstitutional.

BDST: 1858 HRS, DEC 3, 2018
SI/SMS