The High Court has issued a rule asking why visible absence of progress and inactivity of relevant authorities in properly implementing the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) in Dhaka should not be declared illegal.
HC bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Justice AFM Saiful Karim passed the order on Sunday following the hearing of a writ petition.
The petition was filed by Human Rights and Social Development Organisation, a law and human rights organisation. Advocate Md Golam Rahman Bhuiyan represented the petitioner during the hearing.
According to the writ petition, although the DAP was formulated to ensure planned, eco-friendly, and people-friendly urbanisation in capital Dhaka, its implementation is not visible at the expected level despite a long period having passed.
As a result, civic problems – including unplanned urbanisation, the encroachment of waterbodies and open spaces, unplanned building construction, severe environmental imbalance, and unbearable traffic congestion – are intensifying in the city.
Citing Article 27 of the Constitution (equality before law), the application brought to the court’s attention the necessity of compelling the concerned authorities to take effective steps to execute the plans and provisions of the DAP.
The petition was filed specifically to ensure effective measures and accountability from the authorities in implementing the DAP provisions.
