HC halts work of AL MP’s economic zone near Turag

The High Court yesterday directed authorities to maintain status quo on works for constructing Arisha Economic Zone owned by ruling AL lawmaker (Dhaka-14) Aslamul Huq and on eviction of its structures near Turag River in Savar.

It also asked Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) to dispose of in 10 days the application submitted by Arisha Economic Zone for conducting a joint survey to determine whether the company has grabbed river land.

Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice AKM Zahirul Huq came up with the order following a petition filed by Aslamul Huq, managing director of the economic zone, challenging legality of a notice issued by the BIWTA asking the company to remove its structures from the land of the river.

Sagir Hossain Leon, a lawyer for the writ petitioner, told reporters that his client has invested Tk 1,500 crore for establishing Arisha Economic Zone on 51.81 acres of land at Syamla Mouja in Savar and has deposited US $10,000 to the government for its final approval.