Deploy cops to stop encroachment at Mahasthangarh: HC

The High Court today directed the police administration to immediately deploy law enforcers to stop digging and construction works within the archaeological site of Mahasthangarh in Bogura in order to protect the proposed world heritage site from encroachment.

During hearing a writ petition, the court asked the superintendent of police (SP) of Bogura and officer-in-charge (OC) of Shibganj Police Station to submit a report after complying with the directive to it in two weeks.  

The HC also ordered the deputy commissioner (DC) and SP of Bogura to form a vigilance committee to monitor the area of Mahasthangarh so that none can continue digging or constructions within the archaeological site without approval from the authorities concerned of the government.

The DC and SP have been asked to submit a compliance report before this court within two weeks.

At the same time, the HC asked the area commander of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Bogura to extend all cooperation to the local administration in order to protect Mahasthangarh from encroachment.

The bench of Justice Gobinda Chandra Tagore and Justice Mohammad Ullah came up with the directives during hearing of the petition moved by Advocate Manzill Murshid on behalf of the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.

Advocate Manzill told the court that the government of Bangladesh has already submitted the nomination for inclusion of Mahasthangarh site in the final list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but some local people are reportedly destroying the site by digging its land.

He prayed to the HC bench for passing necessary directives on the respondents to take immediate steps to stop all kinds of digging and construction within the archaeological site of Mahasthangarh.

Advocate Ripon Barai and Advocate Shonjoy Mondol assisted Manzill Murshid during the court proceedings.