The High Court today issued a rule asking the government to explain in four weeks why it should not be directed to declare March 7 as the Historic National Day.

The father of the nation, Bangabandhu, had delivered the historical speech on March 7, 1971 at Racecourse Maidan (present day Suhrawardy Udyan) inspiring the people of Bangladesh to go for the Liberation War for the independence of the country.

Also read: Bangabandhu's March 7 speech now world heritage

In the rule, the court asked the authorities concerned of the government to show causes why they should not be ordered to construct a stage and a sculpture of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivering speech with waving finger at Suhrawardy Udyan where the historical speech was delivered.

The HC bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah also directed the cabinet secretary and finance secretary to submit a report before the court by December 12 on the steps taken for construction of the statue.

The HC bench came up with the rule and orders after hearing a writ petition filed by SC lawyer Advocate Bashir Ahmed seeking necessary order on this issue.

The lawyer filed the petition after the Unesco recognised the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu as a world documentary heritage last month.

Director General of Unesco Irina Bokova announced the decision on October 31 at the Unesco Headquarters in Paris.