DCCs asked to explain steps to remove billboards in Dhaka

The High Court today sought an explanation from the authorities concerned of two Dhaka city corporations whether they have taken steps for removal of all billboards, banners, posters and other publicity materials from the structures in Dhaka.

The HC also asked the authorities to submit the report before it by August 22 explaining whether they have employed executive magistrate to take necessary action against the perpetrators for violation of the relevant law which restricted unauthorised posters, banners, billboards, hoardings, wall-writings etc.

The HC bench of Justice Md Rezaul Haque and Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar came up with the order on August 14 following a petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental lawyers Association (Bela) seeking direction on the authorities to explain whether the city corporations have taken steps for removal of the unauthorised materials.

The HC on March 18, 2012, had directed the authorities concerned of the two city corporations to immediately remove all unauthorised hoardings, posters, banners, arch-gateways, wall-writings and other publicity materials placed in the city, DCCs lawyer Md Shahajahan told The Daily Star.

The HC has issued the directives following a writ petition filed by Bela in 2012.

The city corporations authorities have complied above 90 percent of the HC directives, he said.