SC stays demolition for 6 weeks

The Supreme Court yesterday stayed for six weeks a High Court verdict that directed the authorities to demolish the 15-storey BGMEA Bhaban in the city.
Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order after hearing a petition by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
BGMEA President Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin earlier on the day filed the petition with the apex court, seeking stay on the operation of the verdict.
The chamber judge yesterday also asked BGMEA president to file a regular leave-to-appeal petition with SC against the HC verdict within six weeks.
In a judgement on April 3, the HC ordered the authorities concerned to demolish the BGMEA building on Begunbari-Hatirjheel canal, saying it was illegally built by earth-filling and on a land acquired through forgery.
It had also asked the tenants to vacate the building and move their belongings within 90 days from the date of receiving the copy of the verdict.
The BGMEA, owner of the building, did not take approval of the plan and construction from Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), said the judgement.
The HC delivered the judgement after hearing a suo moto rule issued by it on October 3 last year seeking explanation why the building should not be demolished.
Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud appeared for BGMEA.