Petition filed over action against illegal Shisha Lounges

An application has been submitted seeking detailed information on the steps taken by law enforcement authorities to implement directives of the High Court regarding the closure of illegal shisha (hookah) lounges in different areas of the capital, including Banani and Gulshan.

On Tuesday, Supreme Court Appellate Division lawyer and Chairman of the National Lawyers Council, S.M. Zulfikar Ali Junu, filed the application with the Police Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Dhaka Metropolitan Police).

In the application, it has been alleged that the High Court’s directives have not been properly enforced, and that illegal consumption of drugs and other unlawful activities are still continuing in unauthorized shisha lounges in violation of existing laws.

It further states that on March 3, the High Court issued a rule and directed the concerned authorities to take necessary measures to ensure closure of such establishments. The court also ordered that the application submitted to the DMP authorities be disposed of within a stipulated timeframe.

The application seeks specific information regarding compliance measures taken by police to implement the court’s directives, the current status of the earlier submitted application, details of raids conducted, cases filed and arrests made against illegal shisha lounge operators, as well as actions taken against officials allegedly negligent in performing their duties.

It also requests clarification on the future course of action planned by law enforcement agencies to ensure enforcement of the High Court’s orders.

The applicant stated that as the matter involves public interest and enforcement of judicial directives, prompt and effective action is necessary, and requested that the information be provided in writing.