HC seeks explanation over illegal structures on Cox’s Bazar beach

The High Court on Monday issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to demolish or remove illegal structures built on Cox's Bazar beach without certificates from the Department of Environment (DoE), reports UNB.

The HC bench of justice M Enayetur Rahim and justice Mostafizur Rahman issued the rule following a petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association (BELA).

Lawyer Minhajul Haque Chowdhury and lawyer Syed Ahmed Kabir stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Amit Talukdar represented the state.

The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the failure of the respondents to protect the hills, hillocks and forest in Sadar, Maheshkhali, Teknaf, Ramu, Chokoria, Ukhiya and Pekua upazilas of the district should not be declared illegal.

Besides, it wanted to know why the ineffectiveness of the authorities concerned to stop pollution by business entities, encroachment of the sea beach, municipality wastes and dumping of disposable plastic products should not be declared illegal.

Twenty-two people, including the cabinet secretary, secretaries to the forest and environment ministry, civil aviation and tourism ministry, housing and public works ministry, public administration ministry and water resources ministry were asked to respond to the rule within three months.

Earlier, BELA filed a petition seeking necessary steps to stop pollution and construction of illegal hotels and motels in seven upazilas of the district.