The Supreme Court’s Chamber Judge has upheld a High Court order to halt the destruction of mangrove forests and remove illegal shrimp farms on Sonadia Island.
The decision, issued today, paves the way for significant steps toward preserving the fragile ecosystem of the area.
Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir represented the petitioners during the hearing. Earlier, on October 23, 2024, a High Court bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi ordered the removal of all illegal shrimp farms in and around Sonadia Island and directed legal action against those responsible.
This latest ruling ensures that no further legal barriers remain in preventing the unlawful clearing of mangroves and the operation of illegal shrimp enclosures on the island.
The writ petition was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Saddam Hossain, former Maheshkhali Upazila Chairman Zainal Abedin, Moheshkhali Upazila Press Club member and journalist M. Aziz Sikder, Md. Yunus, Sirajul Mustafa Rubel, and five Dhaka University students, along with a total of 12 residents of Moheshkhali.
By Rajin Saleh
