The High Court has issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the negligence of authorities concerned of Bangabandhu Safari Park in Gazipur in ensuring the wellbeing of animals should not be declared Illegal.
The higher court asked the authorities concerned to submit an explanation in four weeks’ time. The court also ordered the authorities concerned with the government to submit the inquiry reports on the incidents of animals’ deaths before it through the attorney general’s office as soon as possible.
Deputy Attorney General Arobinda Kumar confirmed the matter. The HC bench of Justice Md Khasruzzaman and Justice Md Mahmud Hassan Talukder issued the rule and order on Sunday (February 13) following a writ petition.
Supreme Court lawyer Harun Or Rashid Farid filed the writ petition as public interest litigation, seeking necessary directives from the High Court on this issue.
The lawyer told the media that 11 zebras, a tiger and a lioness have reportedly died in Bangabandhu Safari Park between January 2 and February 3 this year due to different reasons, including substandard and toxic feed for the animals.
The ministries of forest and environment and livestock and fisheries have reportedly formed separate committees to conduct inquiries into the incidents of death of animals.
The committees have been directed to submit their probe reports before the HC through the attorney general’s office as early as possible, lawyer Farid added.