Today, the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), a prominent rights group, filed a legal petition with the High Court, urging immediate government action to cease tree felling nationwide, including in Dhaka. This legal move aims to safeguard the environment amidst escalating concerns.

Legal advocate Manzill Murshid, representing HRPB, initiated this public interest litigation following reports of extensive tree cutting, which is particularly alarming given the recent temperature increases.

The petition will likely be reviewed tomorrow by High Court Justices Md Khasruzzaman and KM Zahid Sarwar, as indicated by Advocate Murshid.

HRPB’s petition highlights the critical decrease in Dhaka’s vegetation, essential for healthy urban living, which is being exacerbated by rising temperatures. This decline in tree cover not only worsens living conditions but also infringes upon citizens’ rights to a decent life.

Furthermore, the petition emphasizes the detrimental impacts of the ongoing removal of trees under the social forestry agreement, warning of significant environmental and public health repercussions if the tree cutting continues unchecked.