The High Court has ordered an eight‑week suspension of construction of a 1.6‑kilometre road being built by filling sand dunes on Cox’s Bazar sea beach.
The directive applies to the stretch from Sugandha point to Sayeman Point. A High Court bench led by Justice JBM Hassan passed the order on Wednesday.
Lawyers said the construction violates earlier High Court directives and raises concerns over damage to natural resources, biodiversity and the environment. They noted legal obligations bar development in the designated beach zone without clearance from the Department of Environment (DoE).
The first 300 metres of the beachfront within Cox’s Bazar municipality has been declared a “No Development Zone,” where infrastructure construction is prohibited under court orders.
Earlier, Cox’s Bazar municipality began building a 1.2‑kilometre town protection embankment and road in the same area, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Environmental groups raised alarm after reports of sand dunes being filled and levelled for the project, which carries an estimated cost of Tk63.50 crore.
Project authorities argued the work was aimed at protecting the coast from erosion and was based on surveys and designs. DoE officials, however, said environmental clearance is mandatory for large projects in Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) and have sought documents from the authorities.
Cox’s Bazar beach is one of the country’s most important ECAs. Environmentalists stressed that sand dunes are both part of the beach’s natural beauty and a defence against storm surges, waves and erosion.
The dunes and coastal vegetation also support habitats for red crabs, sea turtles and other wildlife.
Groups including Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and Bangladesh Institute of Planners have campaigned and taken legal action to stop construction on the dunes, warning it could undermine long‑term coastal protection and climate resilience.
Following the latest order, construction from Sugandha Point to Sayeman Point will remain halted for eight weeks.
Experts say the ruling brings renewed focus on environmental clearances and compliance with previous High Court directives.
Local citizens stressed that while development needs are recognised, future projects must safeguard the sand dunes and biodiversity of the country’s most important natural sea beach.
