HC issues rule on writ to stop sand extraction from Padma River

The High Court has issued a rule following a hearing on a writ petition filed seeking to halt unplanned and illegal sand extraction from the Padma River and ensure the safety of bridge.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice SM Iftekhar Uddin Mahmud issued the rule on Tuesday, a lawyer for the petitioner confirmed on Wednesday.

Advocate Md Golam Rahman Bhuiyan represented the petitioner -- Manobadhikar O Somaj Unnayan Songstha (an organisation focused on human rights and social development) -- during the hearing.

The lawyer said the protection of rivers and the environment is not merely a legal matter but it concerns public interest, public safety, and the rights of future generations. With the issuance of this rule, the issue has now come under judicial review, he said.