HC orders removal of illegal structures on Gomti river within 6 months

The High Court has directed authorities to clear all illegal structures built on the banks of the Gomti River within the next six months.

The High Court bench comprising Justice Md Mujibur Rahman Mia and Justice Md Bashir Ullah passed the order on Sunday (August 3) following a writ petition aimed at restoring the river and preventing further encroachment.

Advocate Eklash Uddin Bhuiyan, the petitioner, welcomed the ruling and expressed hope that enforcement would begin promptly in accordance with the court’s directive. “The court has taken a strong stance against river encroachment. We are optimistic that the demolition process will start without delay,” he said.

Senior Advocate Manzil Morshed, President of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), represented the petitioner during the hearing. HRPB has been actively involved in several landmark legal battles related to environmental protection and river conservation in Bangladesh.

The court also instructed relevant authorities to submit progress reports to ensure timely compliance with the demolition order.