The High Court today directed the authorities to stop construction of commercial structures in the residential area at Rankin Street in Wari area of Dhaka.

The court also issued a rule upon the authorities to explain in four weeks as to why the construction of commercial structures in the residential area should not be declared illegal.

The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo came up with the order and rule following a writ petition by Sakina Begum, a Supreme Court lawyer and resident of Rankin Street.

The authorities cannot proceed further with construction of commercial structures in the area following the HC order, petitioner's counsel Masud Ahmed Sayeed told The Daily Star.

Four developer companies have been constructing commercial buildings in the residential area violating laws, Masud added citing from the writ petition.

According to West Pakistan Manual-1958, the plots cannot be used for commercial purposes, he also said.

Developer companies Home Stone Ltd, Rupayan Development, AK Housing Ltd, and Green Home Ltd have been constructing several structures for commercial purposes violating the rules, the lawyer also said.

Secretary to the land minister, deputy commissioner of Dhaka, chairman of Rajuk, mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, and managing directors of the four developing companies have been made respondents to the rule, he added.