Supreme Court halts evictions in Harijan Colony

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has issued a stay on the eviction of residents from Mironzilla Harijan City Colony on Aga Sadek Lane in Old Dhaka until further notice.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has instructed the High Court Division to resolve the writ within the next two months.

A five-member appellate bench, led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan, issued this order on Thursday.

On June 13, the court decided to issue a one-month status quo on the eviction proceedings after hearing Dhaka South City Corporation's application to suspend the High Court's order.

Barrister Manoj Kumar Bhowmik, one of the petitioners, stated that the Supreme Court's order will prevent the government from carrying out the eviction drive in Miranzilla Harijan Colony.

Barristers Sara Hossain and Anik R. Haque represented the writ petitioners in court, while Lawyer Murad Reza represented the DSCC.

After the hearing, Barrister Sara Hossain told the media, "Harijans have lived here for centuries. They work as cleaners, keeping our entire city clean. Their only demand is to stay where they are. A month ago, 16 houses were demolished during the eviction drive."