People’s fundamental rights may be impeded if air pollution not curbed: HC

The High Court today observed that the present air pollution in Dhaka city is very alarming for all and a fundamental right may be impeded if the air pollution cannot be prevented right now.

At the same time, the HC ordered the authorities concerned of the government to implement its January 13 directives and to submit a report in 30 days after complying with the directives.

The HC bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Mohammad Ali came up with the observation and order following some newspaper reports on the air pollution in Dhaka placed during hearing of a pending writ petition.

Read more: Dhaka's air quality getting worse

On January 13, another HC bench issued some directives for the government to reduce air pollution in and around the capital and also ordered the Department of Environment to shut down the rest of the illegal brick kilns in five districts, including Dhaka.

During hearing on the same writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), the HC bench led by FRM Nazmul Ahasan on January 13 also asked the authorities to seize vehicles emitting black smoke beyond permissible limit in Dhaka city.

The bench in its directives said appropriate steps should be taken to stop burning of tyres and recycling of vehicles' batteries without approval from the DoE.