Dhaka: The High Court (HC) has issued a rule demanding explanations from relevant authorities on why actions have not been taken to prevent escalating air pollution in Dhaka. This directive was issued by a division bench comprising Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Aynun Nahar Siddiqua following a hearing on a writ petition filed to address this critical environmental issue.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the petition was filed by Advocate Md Monir Uddin, who also presented the case in court. The court's rule requires the environment secretary, the director general of the Department of Environment, and the chief executive officers of Dhaka North and South City Corporations to submit their responses within four weeks.
The petitioner's concern arose after sending a notice to the director general of the Department of Environment, highlighting the Dhaka Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded on December 14, 2024. The AQI score of 288 marked the worst air quality in nine years, categorizing the air as very unhealthy. The notice urged immediate action to address the deteriorating air quality. When the notice was not addressed, the petitioner resorted to filing the writ with the High Court.