In a 'landmark' decision issued on Sunday, the High Court declared that any persons who encroach on rivers will be barred from contesting in elections and receiving loans, report agencies.
The High Court also announced the formation of a national river conservation commission to serve as 'legal guardians' of rivers of the country.
In this regard the government was asked to amend the National River Protection Commission Act, 2013 for making the Commission more effective and submit a report before it court within six months.
The High Court directed the Election Commission not to allow any individual to contest any election, including the parliamentary one, if he or she is accused of encroaching on rivers.
The court also directed the Bangladesh Bank not to provide any loan to land grabbers.
The High Court bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal also directed the authorities of the National River Protection Commission to submit a compliance report in this regard within six months.
It also instructed the government to amend existing laws and assign 'harsh punishments' to offenders so that the river conservation commission can play a significant role in protecting water bodies.
In addition, the court ordered the release of a list of those who have encroached on water bodies and built illegal constructions, the formation of a digital database of the country's water bodies through satellites and regular awareness raising programmes at all educational institutions and factories in the country.
While delivering the judgment on a writ petition, the court also asked the Education Ministry for taking steps to hold at least a one-hour-long class on river encroaching, pollution and preservation in all educational institutions after every two months for creating awareness among students on the issue.
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