Ban on construction at Panthakunja and Hatirjheel upheld

The order prohibiting any kind of construction in the open areas of Dhaka’s Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel reservoir has been upheld by the Appellate Division Chamber Judge’s Court. A fresh hearing on the matter is scheduled for next week.

The order was issued on Tuesday (September 16) by Chamber Judge Md Rezaul Haque. Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua appeared for the petitioner during the hearing.

Earlier, on September 10, the High Court had directed that no construction work should take place in the open areas of Panthakunja Park near the SAARC Fountain crossing and the Hatirjheel reservoir. The court also instructed that public access to these areas for recreation or other purposes must not be obstructed.

The order was issued by the High Court bench of Justice Md Mojibur Rahman Mia and Justice Bishwajit Debnath, along with a rule, following a preliminary hearing of a writ petition. The petition challenged the legality of construction in the open areas of the park and reservoir for the expansion of the Support to Dhaka Elevated Expressway Project from FDC (Film Development Corporation) to Palashi.