Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has pleaded for one-year more time to shift its headquarters from Hatirjheel.
"BGMEA needs one-year more time to relocate its Hatirjheel headquarters and recently we have filed a plea with the department concerned of the Supreme Court seeking one-year time," said BGMEA lawyer Barrister Imtiaj Moinul Islam.
On March 12, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court granted BGMEA six months to demolish its complex located in Hatirjheel-Begunbari Lake, rejecting a plea of the RMG producers' seeking three years time.
On March 5 BGMEA lost its last legal battle to keep its structure intact on the scenic water body as the Appellate Division rejected its plea, seeking review of its judgment that upheld an earlier High Court verdict, ordering demolition of the structure. On that day, the Appellate Division described the structure as "cancer" which stands in Hatirjheel Lake.
In 2011, the High Court ordered demolition of the 16-storey building as it was constructed in defiance of relevant laws, calling it a "cancer" in the lake.
BGMEA later filed a leave to appeal petition with the Appellate Division against the High Court judgment, but the apex court on June 2, 2016, dismissed the plea as well as asked the RMG producers to demolish its headquarters at once and at its own cost.
"The petitioner is directed to demolish the building namely, BGMEA Complex, situated in the water body of Begunbari khal and Hatirjheel Lake at once, at its own costs, the text of the apex court order read.
It added: "In default the RAJUK is directed to demolish the same within 90 days from the date of receipt of this judgment and realize the entire demolition costs from the petitioner, BGMEA," the full text of the order had said.
Source: BSS