Banshkhali clash: 5 more organizations file writ

Another writ was filed with the High Court (HC) seeking a judicial inquiry of the death of five workers in a police shooting at an under construction coal fired power plant in Gandamara union of Banshkhali upazila, Chattogram.

The writ was filed by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (Blast), Nijera Kori, Safety & Rights, and the Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD).

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive advocate of BELA who filed the petition on behalf of the organizations, confirmed the matter.

"We have asked for a judicial investigation and to keep the coal fired power plant shut until the investigation is complete, "said Syed Rizwana Hasan.

"We have also asked for a report from the Ministry of Labour and Employment describing the present circumstances of labourers at the plant," she added.

Reports from the two probe bodies formed by the district administration and police have also been required, according to advocate Rizwana.

She also said a writ hearing is likely on Thursday where the bench will be headed by Justice M Enayetur Rahim.

Earlier on 22 April, human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK),  also filed a writ petition with the HC, seeking a judicial enquiry into the incident and the authorities concerned.

The writ also sought Tk3 crore in compensation for each deceased worker's family, and Tk2 crore for each injured worker.

The petition also urged the HC to ask the government officials concerned to withdraw the case filed against the workers, to file criminal cases against the real culprits, to ensure worker rights to life, property, livelihood, and security.

Advocate Syeda Nasreen filed the petition on Thursday on behalf of ASK.

On 17 April, five workers were killed and 21 others injured during a clash with police at the under construction power plant.