Writ in High Court to cancel Keraniganj Economic Zone land acquisition

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court seeking directives to cancel the land acquisition for the 'Keraniganj Economic Zone', citing protection of Dhaka and Keraniganj from floods and permanent waterlogging. The writ also seeks directives to permanently preserve the acquired land as a flood flow zone. On Wednesday, Supreme Court lawyer Md. Mahmudul Hasan (Mamun) filed the writ on behalf of four residents of the West Sonakanda area in Keraniganj. The petitioners are Abdul Matin, Mojibur Rahman, Rufiza Begum, and Piar Ali.

The writ names the Cabinet Secretary, Secretary of the Ministry of Land, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), and the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka as respondents. According to RAJUK's Detailed Area Plan (DAP), the acquired land in West Sonakanda is reserved as a main flood flow zone, sub-flood flow zone, and natural reservoir, and these wetlands are directly connected to the Dhaleshwari and Buriganga rivers.

The writ states that if these lands are filled to establish economic zones and factories, the normal drainage path for rainwater in Dhaka and Keraniganj will be obstructed, creating a risk of prolonged waterlogging and floods across the capital. The petitioners claimed that such a situation is contrary to citizens' right to life and a violation of Article 32 of the Constitution. It was also mentioned that preserving natural reservoirs and flood flow zones in the public interest is the responsibility of the state.

Reported by 4 outlets. See the original sources below for full details.