DHAKA: The High Court on Tuesday issued a rule upon the government to explain within four weeks why directives should not be given to protect country’s agricultural land.

An HC bench comprising Salma Masud Chowdhury and Justice Habibul Gani passed the order after holding a primary hearing on a writ filed on public interest.

The court also asked to explain why it should not be issued orders to take necessary measures to preserve country’s agricultural land.

It also wanted to know why should be issued directives to formulate laws with the view to preserving the agricultural land.

Besides, the court also issued an interim order which asked to submit a report to the court within 90 days about steps to protect land recommended by a committee formed by specialists.

Secretaries of cabinet, Prime Minister’s Office, parliamentary affairs, land affairs, agricultural affairs and food affairs were made respondents to the rule.

Advocate Asaduzzaman Siddiqui, secretary of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, filed the writ petition with the court annexing reports published on media in this connection in several times.

Advocate Manjil Morshed moved for the petition in the court.

BDST: 1810 HRS, APR 15, 2014