HC bars local AL leader from extracting sand in Meghna

The High Court today (May 23, 2022) refused to allow a local Awami League leader, Md Salim Khan, to extract and sell sand and earth from the Meghna River in Chandpur.

The court summarily rejected a writ petition filed by Salim Khan seeking its permission for extraction and sale of 28.4 lakh cubic feet sand or earth from Meghna riverbed at Shakhua, Ichuli and Mirzapur mouza under Chandpur Sadar Upazila and also Monipur and Charkrishnapur mouza under Haimchar upazila in the district.

The bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Khizir Hayat rejected the petition after hearing arguments.

Lawyer Jafar Alam Khan appeared for the petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Kazi Mynul Hassan, represented the state.

Jafar Alam Khan told The Daily that his client will move an appeal before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court challenging the HC's rejection order.

The HC rejected the petition as the Appellate Division has earlier stayed two HC orders that had allowed Salim Khan to extract sand from other areas of the Meghna River in Chandpur, he said.

Salim Khan has deposited the royalty money to the deputy commissioner's office in Chandpur for conducting a hydraulic survey of the land and extraction of sand of the river, the lawyer added.