Speakers at a programme yesterday demanded for quick implementation of the directions of High Court on the Vested Property Return Act to ensure people's rights affected by Enemy Property Act, reports UNB. They came up with the demand at a press conference jointly organised by Association of Land Reform and Development (ALRD) and eight other organisations under the banner of National Citizens' Coordination at the National Press Club.

In a written statement, Subrata Chowdhury, a Coordination leader, said, the High Court has clearly directed in its verdict not to take any attempt in future to declare any property as vested property as well as set up tribunals in each district for solving cases of vested property only.

But, due to the lack of interest of the administrations and ministries, the implementation of the HC direction and the act has not seen any light, he alleged.

He also claimed that despite a law ministry instruction, many district commissioners are not returning the vested properties to their owners showing excuses of not received any direction from the ministry. "Under the Enemy Property Act and the Vested Property Act, from 1965 to 2006, thousands of minority families have been affected and are still suffering", said the Supreme Court lawyer. Chairing the programme, advocate Sultana Kamal said, the National Citizens' Coordination Cell is protesting the conspiracies of the law enforcers hindering the implementation of the act.

Kajal Debnath, a leader of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said, the law enforcers are doing unnecessary delay in implementing the act despite clear verdict from the HC.

The speakers came up with a seven-point demand that include: taking steps to halt irregularities of land officers, setting up special tribunals, taking actions for regular monitoring on irregularities and corruptions while implementing the Vested Property Return Act.