Why emergency should not be declared illegal: B'desh HC

Dhaka, Jul 20 (UNI) The Bangladesh High Court today asked the caretaker government to explain why the proclamation of the state of emergency should not be declared illegal and ultra vires to the Constitution.

After a long legal debate between counsel for the petitioners and the government attorney, a two-judge bench issued the directive, asking the government to explain in detail how the current military-backed interim government will transfer power to the elected government after general elections slated for December this year.

The government will have to give its reply within four weeks.

The President promulgated the state of emergency on January 11 last year in the wake of huge political turmoil that stalled a general election slated for January 22 last year.

Soon after the execution of the state of emergency, fundamental rights were suspended, political activities banned and freedom of the press was curtailed. Recently the caretaker government relaxed some emergency provisions on political activities.

The High Court issued the rule in response to a writ petition filed by four Supreme Court lawyers.

UNI XC PD NS1921