Writ filed seeking stay on elections

A writ has been filed with the High Court seeking a stay on the announced schedule of the 11th parliamentary elections, reports UNB.

Advocate Eunus Ali Akond filed the writ with the bench concerned of the High Court on Sunday morning.

The HC bench of Mainul Islam Chowdhury and Mohammad Ashraful Kamal is likely to hear the writ today (Monday), said the petitioner.

The petitioner also sought the issuance of a rule to declare the schedule as illegal as it was announced without dissolving the national parliament as well as a stay on the election procedure until the issue is settled.

The chief election commissioner, cabinet secretary, law secretary and four others were made respondents to the rule.

According to section 66 of the constitution, a person shall be disqualified for election as or for being, a member, if a person holding any office of profit in the service of the Republic or of a statutory public authority, the petitioner added.

According to the constitution, he further said, those who enjoy government perks and privileges cannot contest any election.

"Now ministers and MPs of the present parliament are enjoying government perks and privileges, and they are going to contest the election, which is contradictory to the constitution," he added.