DHAKA: The High Court on Monday issued a rule upon the government to explain within three weeks why directives should not be given to demolish and remove all illegal structures on the banks of rivers Dhaleshwari and Meghna and demarcate the boundaries.

The court also asked the authorities to take steps so that no one can erect new structures and encroach the river banks in the next three months.

The HC bench, comprising Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury and Justice Sheikh Md. Zakir Hossain, passed the order following a writ petition filed by two legal rights group -- Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh and Partner in Legal Education and Assistance for Development.

The rule was issued upon the Planning Secretary, Environment Secretary, Shipping Secretary, and the DG of the Forest Department and DCs of Brahmanbaria, Munshiganj, Kishoreganj and Narayanganj districts.

 During the hearing, the petitioners` lawyer Advocate Monjil Morshed said river grabbing and any construction inside the river are illegal as per the Environment and Water Body Conservation Act.

A certain quarter is occupying riverbank violating the PM’s direction in this regard, he added.

Deputy attorney general Najrul Islam Talukder moved for the State.

BDST 1715 HRS, JULY 12, 2010