High Court issues rule on Hasina-Khaleda talks

FE Report The High Court (HC) issued a rule Wednesday asking Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to explain as to why they would not be directed to hold dialogue to resolve the ongoing political crisis. They were asked to reply to the rule on the dialogue between them and their alliances in or outside Parliament to resolve the present political crisis with respect to holding of the next national polls in a free and fair manner. The HC also asked the Home Secretary to explain as to why he would not be directed to take measures to stop illegal activities like throwing bombs and cocktails, breaking vehicles and setting those on fire in the name of political rights and activities. A bench of the HC comprising Justice Md Nizamul Huq and Justice Zafar Ahmed issued the rule following a public interest litigation filed by a Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Dr Md Eunus Ali Akond on March 14. The rule is returnable within four weeks. Mr Akond himself argued before the court while Additional Attorney General MK Rahman stood for the government. Prime Minister and Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and her 14-party alliance, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her 18-party alliance, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the Cabinet Secretary and the Home Secretary were made respondents in the rule.