DHAKA: The High Court Monday directed authorities concerned to issue directives to deputy commissioners for protecting canals, playgrounds and parks across the country.

An HC bench comprising Justice Kazi Reza-ul-Huq and Justice Altaf Hossain passed the order in response to litigation filed for public interest.

The court also asked the authorities concerned to submit progress report of the court order execution within 30 days.

Local government secretary, environment secretary, water resources secretary and finance secretary and water development board chairman were made respondents to the order.

On April 7 last year, the High Court issued a rule upon the government and asked authorities concerned to take action under the ‘Environment and Water body Protection Act-2000’ to protect canals in reply to a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.

On April 28, the organization again filed a petition with the HC seeking its necessary order as its previous order was not executed within mentioned time.

Advocate Monzil Morshed stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Biswajit Roy moved for the state.

BDST: 1456 HRS, MAY 05, 2014