No harassment of BNP men until KCC election: HC

The High Court (HC) directed on Monday the law enforcers not to arrest or harass any BNP leaders or activists until the Khulna City Corporation election is held, report agencies.

The HC said no arrest can be made in violation of the previous Appellate Division order in this regard.

The HC bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal passed the order following a petition filed by BNP vice chairman Mohammad Shahjahan.

Barrister Moudud Ahmed stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Motahar Hossain Saju represented the state.

The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the mass arrest of BNP leaders and activities of Khulna and election campaigners, defying the directives of the Appellate Division, should not be declared illegal.

Election Commission, Home Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Khulna have been made respondents to the rule.

Moudud said, "The arrest of BNP leaders and activists made by the law enforcers is not legal and the arrests have been made violating the Supreme Court (SC) order."

There is a guideline in the SC directives regarding the mass arrest, he said.

Khulna City Corporation election is scheduled to be held today (Tuesday). A total of five mayor candidates, 148 general councillor and 38 reserved-seat female councillor candidates are there in the election race.