The High Court today directed the authorities concerned to maintain status quo on constructing any structures at the ecologically critical Laboni and Sugandha points of Cox’s Bazar sea beach.

The court also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why the decision of Cox’s Bazar Beach Management for constructing structures at different areas in Cox’s Bazar including Laboni and Sugandha points should not be declared illegal.

The HC bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal came up with the rule after hearing a writ petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association (Bela) challenging the decision of Cox’s Bazar Beach Management.

Bela submitted the petition on November 13 to the HC saying that Cox’s Bazar Beach Management at a meeting on June 13 decided to set up night-bazars at ecologically critical Laboni and Sugandha points and Inani Sea beach of Cox’s Bazar in violation of the environment protection laws.

Advocate Minhazul Haque Chowdhury appeared for the petitioner.