HC orders demolition of BGMEA Bhaban

The High Court has ordered demolition of the BGMEA Bhaban at Karwan Bazar as it was constructed in violation of the Wetlands Protection Act, report agencies. A HC bench gave the order on Sunday, deputy attorney general (DAG) A B M Altaf Hossain said. The HC also asked the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to vacate the high-rise within 90 days and then start pulling down the building immediately at their own cost. The apparel sector apex body constructed the building without having ownership of the land and by violating the Wetlands Protection Act, the DAG said. Meanwhile, BGMEA plans to seek support from the President, Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to find a meaningful solution to the problem concerning the BGMEA building at Hatirjheel in the city. "It's not a personal property. It's related to the country's largest export earning sector whose greater interest should be given priority. We'll sit with the President, Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to help resolve it," BGMEA president M Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin told news agency over phone Sunday. Replying to a question, he said they would definitely appeal soon after getting the copy of the HC verdict. "After receiving the copy of the verdict, we will sit with our lawyers." Responding to another question, Mohiuddin said they would surely accept the verdict for the greater interest of the country if the government finds an alternative for the BGMEA. He, however, said the BGMEA is not solely responsible for what is happening regarding the building. The other agencies concerned should also shoulder the responsibilities, he added. The BGMEA president said they had purchased the land at Tk 51.7 million (5.17) crore and got "approval from the related agencies."