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SC upholds order to demolish BGMEA Bhaban

The Appellate Division of Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a writ petition filed by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) challenging the High Court order of demolishing BGMEA Bhaban.The HC bench comprising Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha passed the order after the final hearing of the petition filed by BGMEA challenging the High Court order.Earlier on April 3, 2011, The High Court had ordered demolition of the BGMEA Bhaban at Karwan Bazar as it was constructed in violation of the Wetlands Protection Act.In 2013, BGMEA filed a writ petition against HC order after publishing full copy of judgment. It also asked the BGMEA to vacate the high-rise building within 90 days after getting the copy of judgment and then start pulling it down at their own cost.RAJUK had long been saying the BGMEA building was not constructed according to the RAJUK formulated design. Various environmental organisations were also demanding demolition of the building.Following a special report on the illegally erected building, the High Court issued a rule on Oct 3, 2010 asking the government to explain why the structure would not be pulled down.