Protecting Sandhya River: HC blasts Barishal district admin for failure

The High Court today blasted the Barishal district administration for not complying with its 2018 directives over removal of the obstacles from Sandhya River in the district and its preservation and protection.

"….They have not implemented the directives of this court in last five years. They will not comply with the directives in even 100 years. They have established the reign [of powers]."

"You as well as we know the situation of the court and the country…. They are selling the country. Will they take away the looted money to America?," the HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Mohammad Showkat Ali Chowdhury said during hearing of a petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.

Assistant Attorney General Md Salim Azad appeared for Barishal district administration and sought time from the court for the last time to implement the directives saying that the administration has started working in this regard.

The HC bench asked how much time they (district administration) will need.

"When were you scheduled to comply with the court order?" the HC bench asked AAG Salim.

HRPB lawyer Manzill Murshid said the deputy commissioners play with the court.

The HC said hundreds of contempt of court cases against (government high officials) are pending as they don't implement its orders.

Barishal Deputy Commissioner Md Jahangir Hossain told this correspondent that he heard from the upazila nirbahi officer concerned that Sandhya River has been filled with earth and turned into a land and therefore, it was not possible to conduct an eviction drive.

"I will enquire and submit a report to the High Court," he added.