The High Court today directed the government to take appropriate steps to stop encroachment, earth filling and construction of illegal structures on the Buriganga, Turag, Balu and Shitalakkha rivers.

The HC also issued a rule upon the government to show cause why it should not be directed to take initiative to remove all illegal structures built on the rivers.

The court also asked the deputy commissioners of Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur, BIWTA authorities and director general of Land Directorate to explain why they shouldn't be directed to determine the real situation of Buriganga, Balu, Shitalakkha and Turag rivers by conducting a survey after forming a special committee.

The HC bench of Justice ABM Khairul Haque and Justice Md Mamtazuddin Ahmed fixed June 1 for hearing on the rule.

The court also said the direction will continue till further hearing of the rule.

The HC bench came up with the order upon a writ petition filed by Human Rights And Peace For Bangladesh (HRPB).

Source: The Daily Star