The High Court has issued a ruling asking why illegal structures developed without the environment department's clearance and sewerage should not be removed or demolished in Cox’s Bazar.
The bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Mostafizur Rahman on Monday (Dec 9) also asked why dumping of waste, construction of illegal structures on the 120-km-long beach in Cox’s Bazar should not be declared illegal.
Cabinet Secretary, secretaries to the ministries of environment, civil aviation, tourism, housing and works, public administration, and water resources have been ordered to respond.
The court's ruling came after hearing a petition by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association (BELA).
Earlier, several newspapers and online portals reported on the mushrooming of illegal structures on Cox’s Bazar beach.
Later, BELA lodged a writ with the High Court attaching all those reports. The writ sought court's directive for Cox’s Bazar district, Maheshkhali, Teknaf, Ramu, Chakoria, Ukhia, Pekua to safeguard forest and hill areas from degradation.