Advocate Eunus Ali Akond, a Supreme Court lawyer, files the writ petition
The High Court has dismissed a writ petition that sought directives on a dialogue between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in order to resolve the political impasse of the county.
An HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Zafar Ahmed delivered the verdict saying no confrontational circumstances is prevailing across the country at present and Khaleda is not the opposition leader now.
Earlier on March 14, 2013, advocate Eunus Ali Akond, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed the writ petition as public interest litigation.
The application sought the High Court’s directive on Hasina and Khaleda to meet and resolve the political deadlock that was prevailing before the January 5 poll.
He also sought order of injunction to restrain Hasina, Khaleda and all government authorities concerned from enforcing political violence, strikes, blockades and shutdowns across the country for the sake of the people.
On March 27, the HC issued a rule asking why the ruling Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and the then opposition BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia should not be ordered to begin a dialogue to ensure a free and fair national election.
It also wanted to know why the home secretary should not be directed to take steps to cease ‘illegal activities’ like hurling bombs, arson attacks and vandalism in the name of political activities.
Regarding Tuesday’s order, Eunus Ali Akond said: “The court has said the situation is not the similar to the time when the rule was issued. Rather it is calm now. In addition, Khaleda is no more the opposition leader. So, as the rule is of no value now, it has been discharged which means that the petition has been refused.”
Source: Dhaka Tribune
