Maintain status quo

The High Court yesterday directed authorities concerned to maintain status quo on constructing structures in the ecologically critical Laboni and Sugandha points of Cox's Bazar beach.

The court also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why Cox's Bazar Beach Management's decision of constructing structures at Laboni, Sugandha and Inani beach points should not be declared illegal.

The bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal issued the rule after hearing a writ petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela) challenging the decision made by the beach management.

Bela submitted the petition on November 13, saying that the decision of the beach management to set up night-time marketplaces at Laboni, Sugandha and Inani points on the beach violates the environment protection laws. Advocate Minhazul Haque Chowdhury represented the petitioner.