DHAKA : A writ has been filed with the High Court (HC), challenging the legality of the approval for extraction of around 6.34 crore cubic feet of sand from the Maheshkhali coastal area in Cox's Bazar for the Matarbari deep-sea port link road construction project.

Supreme Court lawyer Sohana Sharmin filed the writ in public interest.

The petition also challenges the legality of the determination of sand prices alongside the approval for extraction of the said volume of sand.

The writ petition stated that under prevailing rules, contractors usually carry out dredging, sand extraction and related activities at their own expense, while the government pays bills in accordance with contractual agreements.

However, in this case, dredging costs have been adjusted from the price of sand, thereby reducing state revenue, which is contrary to public interest and financial discipline.

The petition further sought a review of the legality of the relevant approvals, price determination and administrative decisions, along with necessary directives in this regard.

It also prayed for a judicial inquiry into the alleged possibility of loss of government revenue and the allegation of providing special benefits to a particular company.

"The writ was filed to ensure transparency, accountability and the rule of law in the management of state resources," the petitioner said.