The High Court ordered Dhaka's north and south city corporations to submit a report within two weeks mentioning the steps they have taken to prevent the spread of dengue virus-carrier, the aedes mosquito.
The bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader passed the order during a supplementary petition hearing.
Advocate Manzil Murshid stood for the writ, while Deputy Attorney General Abdullah Al Mahmud Bashar represented the state.
The mayors and chief executive officers of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have been asked to submit a report mentioning the measures taken for properly spraying mosquito killing medicine in the wards.
Earlier on May 14, the High Court bench expressed its dissatisfaction over the reports submitted by Dhaka north, and south city corporations (DNCC, DSCC). The court observed that the city corporations have shown negligence in eradicating air pollution, and controlling the mosquito menace.
The High Court earlier issued summons to chief executive officers (CEOs) of DNCC and DSCC to explain the measures they took to prevent air pollution. During the hearing, DSCC CEO Mustafizur Rahman, and DNCC CEO Md Abdul Hai presented separate reports before the court.
Both CEOs informed the court that it is not possible to control air pollution because of different development projects like the Metro Rail Project.
The court asked why there was a lack of coordination between the multiple development projects, which were undertaken simultaneously.
On May 5, the same bench had summoned DNCC and DSCC chief executives, seeking explanation on measures taken to protect Dhaka from air pollution.
On that date, the court also expressed its dissatisfaction with the reports on air pollution – something it had done twice before.
The city corporations were asked to submit the reports in response to a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.
On January 28, the High Court ordered the Department of Environment to conduct twice a week mobile court drives against parties causing air pollution in the capital, in response to the writ.
Dhaka is ranked third on the World Health Organization's list of most polluted cities in 2019.