Cox’s Bazar DC gets 3 months to remove illegal structures
The High court today gave the deputy commissioner of Cox’s Bazar three months to implement a directive issued in 2011 for protecting an ecologically critical and reserved forest in the district.
DC Ruhul Amin was given the time after he appeared before the court and promised to comply with the directive for removing illegal structures from Jhilonza mouja in Cox's Bazar.
The HC bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder has asked him to implement the order and submit a compliance report within three months.
The DC told the court that he could not comply with the directives since some cases involving the structures constructed in the forest area are pending with lower courts.
Several structure owners have also got orders from the lower courts in their favour, the deputy commissioner said.
The HC bench also exempted the DC from his personal appearance before the court in response to his prayer.
Iqbal Kabir Lytton, a counsel for Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela), told the court that the DC was bound to take steps for removing the illegal structures as per the HC directives.
Earlier on July 22, a HC bench led by Justice Ashfaqul had summoned the DC to appear before the court today (September 9) to explain his noncompliance with the order.
Following a writ petition filed by Bela, the HC on June 8, 2011 directed the government to save the natural characteristics of Jhilonza mouja.
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