HC to govt: Explain why chikunguniya-affected people should not be compensated

The High Court has issued a rule asking the government to explain why it should not be directed to provide reparations to the people affected by chikunguniya, a mosquito-borne disease. Responding to a writ petition filed by a Supreme Court lawyer, a High Court bench comprised of Justice Syed Muhammad Dastagir Husain and Justice Md Ataur Rahman Khan on Sunday asked the government to explain it within three weeks. On July 4, Supreme Court lawyer Md Shujauddula Akanda filed the petition praying to the court to order the government authorities concerned to take necessary measures for fighting the widespread disease. The court also asked the government to explain why steps should not be taken to make people aware of the disease and why two mayors of Dhaka city corporations will not be directed to clean up dumping grounds to prevent the birth of mosquitoes spreading the disease. It asked the respondents to show cause as to why immediate steps should not be taken for destroying Aedes mosquitoes all over the country. Secretaries to the health and LGRD ministries, and mayors of Dhaka north and south city corporations and their chief executive officers are among the respondents.