The High Court yesterday issued five separate rules asking the government to explain within two weeks why three owners of Apan Jewellers -- Dildar Ahmed, Gulzar Ahmed and Azad Ahmed -- should not be granted bail in five money laundering cases.

The bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim came up with the rules after hearing five separate petitions filed by the three seeking bail in the cases.

On August 12, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate filed the five cases against them under the Money Laundering Prevention Act with Dhanmondi, Ramna, Uttara and Gulshan police stations.

According to the statements of the cases, owners of the much-talked-about Apan Jewellers imported around 15 maunds of gold and diamond by “dodging tax”.

Dildar Ahmed, father of Banani double-rape case accused Shafat Ahamed, stands accused in three cases, while his brothers Gulzar Ahmed and Azad Ahmed have been accused in two cases.

On October 28, the three were sent to jail after they surrendered before the trial courts in the cases.

Advocate AM Aminuddin appeared for the petitioners.