HC asks govt explanation over security of 45 Gazipur blind families

The High Court today issued a rule upon the government to explain in two weeks why it should not be directed to ensure security of 45 blind families in Gazipur and to protect them from illegal occupation.

In the rule, the court also asked the government's explanation as to why it should not be directed to take necessary steps for providing permanent lease of the khas land (government land) in favour of the blind people who are living there for several years.

The HC bench of Justice Mirza Hossain Haider and Justice Md Khurshid Alam Sarker came up with the order and rule in response to a writ petition filed by Bangladesh Blind Business and Welfare Association.

The court also directed the government to maintain status quo on the living of 45 blind families comprising 350 persons at Andhertek in Kaliakoir upazila of Gazipur.

According to the order, the people, who have been living for years, can live on the khas land as usual until a further order of the court.

The people in 2002 applied to the Prime Minister's Office for having lease of the land.

The land is now under process for a permanent lease in favour of the blind people for their rehabilitation, the media reports said.

Jamuna Group Chairman Nurul Islam Babul reportedly has attempted to evict the blind people to occupy the land but he failed to evict them due to resistance from the administration and local people recently.

Home secretary, land secretary and its senior assistant secretary, deputy collector, superintendent of police in Gazipur, upazila nirbahi officer of Kaliakoir, assistant commissioner (land) and Jamuna group Chairman Nurul Islam Babu have been respondents to the rule.