Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association vs. Bangladesh & Ors, Writ Petition No. 8483 of 2009

Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) tackled post-disaster relief in the wake of Cyclone Aila. Petitioners contended that in May 2009, the cyclone destroyed more than 83,000 houses in Satkhira, as well as embankments stretching to 127 kilometers in Sathkira alone. By December 2009, the embankments remained in disrepair, allowing water from adjoining coastal rivers to continue to flood the areas with regular tidal surges and forcing thousands to remain in temporary shelters. Petitioners argued that the affected people were deprived of the basic necessities as enshrined in the Bangladesh constitution, living extreme indignity as refugees. They further contended that Cyclone Aila demonstrated that Bangladesh was unprepared to deal with natural disasters of such magnitude anticipated due to climate change. The petitioners sought the reconstruction of damaged embankments in coastal zones and the construction of cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal districts. Pending a ruling, the petitioners also asked the court that adequate food, health care services and sanitation be ensured for residents remaining in shelters. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh granted interim orders directing the government to declare the disaster-affected areas, repair damaged embankments and provide necessities to affected residents until they are able to return to their homes and work. However, this case remains pending.