Relocate structures, except mosque, from Jhenaidah park: HC

The High Court today directed the government to relocate all structures, except a mosque, from a public park (for children) in Jhenaidah municipality area.

The authorities concerned of the government have also been ordered to restore the original shape of the park at 125 No. Jhenaidah Mouja under the municipality so that people can use it as a recreational venue.

The HC asked the authorities to comply with its directives in six months after receiving copy of the verdict.

The bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Muhammad Mahbub Ul Islam delivered the verdict after hearing a writ petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), challenging legality of constructing a multi-storey commercial building at the park.

BELA submitted the petition as a public interest litigation to the HC in 2019, saying that Jhenaidah municipality authorities started construction of a multi-storey commercial building at the public park.

Also, programmes are held in the place on different national days and 1,500 to 2,000 people walk at the park every day, the petitioner said, adding that the children's park needs to be protected.

Following the same petition, the HC on November 11, 2019 had directed the authorities to stop all activities related to construction at the park and to properly protect and preserve the land as a park keeping its status unchanged.

Lawyers Minhazul Haque Chowdhury and Sayeed Ahmed Kabir appeared for the petitioner.