The High Court on Monday asked the government bodies concerned to submit a list of the persons who are involved in grabbing, renting and selling the spaces of walkways in Dhaka.
Home Secretary or Local Government Secretary has been asked to submit the list in the High Court as an affidavit within May 13 this year.
At the same time the Secretaries have been asked to inform the court on what measures have been taken against the persons who are involved in grabbing, renting and selling the spaces of walkways in Dhaka.
The High Court bench of Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif and Justice Md Bazlur Rahman passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by a rights organization, Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB).
Lawyer Manzill Murshid who appeared in the court on behalf of the writ petitioner said, "The HRPB filed the writ petition two years ago annexing reports published in different media over grabbing, renting and selling of walkways' spaces in Dhaka.
"Following the writ petition the High Court on November 21 in 2022 issued a rule and directed the Home Ministry to form a five-member body to identify the persons who are involved with grabbing, renting and selling the spaces of walkways in Dhaka. The committee was also asked to submit the list in the court within 60 days.
"Complying with the court order the Home Ministry on May 21 in 2023 formed a seven-member body headed by an additional secretary. The committee held a meeting on August 24 in 2023 over the issue. A decision to prepare a list of the footpath grabbers was also taken in the meeting. However, the list has not been prepared till today."
In the meantime, the Ministry formed-body on Monday submitted a report in the High Court informing it over the progress of their activities. Upon hearing on the report the HC issued the new order.
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