High Court directs measures within 3 days to stop hill cutting in Bandarban

The High Court has directed the administration to take effective measures within three days to stop hill cutting in Lama upazila of Bandarban. At the same time, direction has also been given to take the cooperation of the army as per the need of the local administration to stop hill cutting.

The High Court bench comprising Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan passed this order after hearing the related writ petition on Tuesday (September 8). Senior lawyer Manzill Murshid conducted the hearing on behalf of the writ in the court.

The lawyer said media reports were published alleging environmental destruction by cutting hills against brick kiln owners in Lama upazila. After these reports came to light, two lawyers Md Sarwar Ahad Chowdhury and Ripon Barai filed the writ on August 30 on behalf of the environment and human rights organization Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) seeking necessary directions to stop hill cutting.

After hearing the writ, the court issued a rule and formed a monitoring team directing necessary measures to stop hill cutting in Lama within three days. Direction has also been given to the commander of Bandarban Army Camp to provide effective cooperation in this work if a request is received from the local administration.

Besides, the High Court has directed to take measures under Section 15 of the Environment Act against those involved in hill cutting. It has been asked to enforce punishment and fine as per law against the concerned within seven days.

In the rule, the court has sought to know why the inaction of the concerned authorities in stopping hill cutting in Lama upazila will not be declared illegal, why necessary directions will not be given to stop hill cutting and destruction in Bandarban district and why direction will not be given to restore the already cut hills to their previous condition.

The concerned respondents including the Forest and Environment Secretary, Director General of the Department of Environment, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Bandarban have been directed to reply to the rule. Assistant Attorney General Mohiuddin Md Hanif was present for the state side during the hearing.