The present state of Jail Khal, a canal in Barisal city, which the High Court yesterday ordered the government to protect through stopping encroachment, earth filling and dumping of waste following a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh. Photo: Star

The High Court yesterday directed the government to stop encroachment, earth filling, and dumping of waste in Jail Khal in Barisal city within the next two weeks.

The court also asked the government to submit a report before it, after complying with the order, within the next four weeks.

The HC bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal came up with the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.

The organisation submitted the petition on October 19 seeking necessary orders from the court on the government to protect the canal.

During hearing yesterday, the petitioner's lawyer Manzill Murshid told  the court that encroachment and earth-filling of any canal are barred as per environment and water-bodies protection laws, but Jail Khal in Barisal city is regularly being encroached and filled up.

The authorities concerned of the government have not taken any effective measures to protect the canal, he argued.