HC halts construction on Gulshan 'open space'

The High Court yesterday imposed status quo on construction of commercial structures in 2.375 bighas of land in the capital's Gulshan-2, which some local residents claim is an open space.

In response to a writ petition, the court also questioned the legality of the conversion of the open space, divided into seven plots, into a commercial area and execution of its lease deed for building commercial structures.

The court issued a rule upon the authorities concerned to explain in four weeks why these acts should not be declared illegal. 

Four inhabitants of Gulshan-2 jointly filed the petition with the HC claiming that the seven plots are marked as open space for people.

However, the government agency concerned has leased the land out to Borak Real Estate (Pvt) Ltd for constructing a 21-storey commercial plus hotel building and a car parking complex in violation of the Town Improvement Act, 1953 and the Environment Conservation Act, 1995, they said.

Shakhawat Hossain, a lawyer for the petitioners, and Deputy Attorney General Mokhlesur Rahman told The Daily Star that work for constructing structures in the said land would remain suspended following the status quo order.

Shakhawat said the order would be in force till disposal of the rule.

Mahmudul Islam and Probir Neogi argued for the petitioners.