Stop constructions of structure in Dhaka’s canals: HC

The High Court today directed the government to immediately stop constructions of structure in the canals identified by the Dhaka district administration and their encroachments.

The court also directed the deputy commissioner of Dhaka to submit a report on the steps taken to stop encroachment of the canals and water bodies in Dhaka before this court within two weeks.

It also issued a rule asking the respondent to explain as to why they should not be directed to recover the canals from land grabbers.

The Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, LGRD Secretary, Housing and Public Works secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Managing Director of Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) in Dhaka, chief executive officers of Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) chairman, deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Dhaka have been asked to respond to the rule.

HC bench Justice Qazi Reza-Ul Haque and Justice Mohammad Ullah came up with the order and rule on a suo muto  (voluntary) move following a report published on the bangle daily Prothom Alo on October 24 under a headline “ Dhaker khale 248 dokhloder’’  (248 land grabbers in Dhaka’s canals).

The HC bench also fixed November 12 for passing further order on the issues.