Forest Department to withdraw cases against “Hawa”

The Forest Department will withdraw all cases against Mejbaur Rahman Sumon directorial film "Hawa" on the basis of a mutual agreement, read a press release sent by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The ministry's senior publication officer Dipankar Bar signed the release, stating that since the director made an appeal conveying that he was not aware of the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act of 2012, his plea for mutual agreement has been granted on that basis.

The press release further said that the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act of 2012, under section 43 is subject to resolution based on mutual agreement, and thus under the Code of Criminal Procedure 248, will appeal to the Metropolitan Magistrate court for a withdrawal.

The court has taken the appeal for consideration, and has called for a date for the dismissal of the case.

Previously, on August 11, a four-member team from the Wildlife Crime Control Unit went to watch "Hawa" at the Bashundhara City branch of Star Cineplex in Dhaka. After watching the film, the representatives had stated that the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act of 2012 was violated due to the scene featuring a captivated shalik bird.