The High Court today issued a contempt of court rule against five government high officials including the Liberation War Affairs secretary for not complying with its directive over paying the monthly allowances to 13 freedom fighters.

The four others against whom the contempt of court rule was issued are director general of Jatiya Muktijoddha Council and its director (administration and finance), deputy secretary (law) and deputy secretary (budget) of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

The bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah came up with the rule following a contempt of court petition filed by the 13 freedom fighters of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon whose monthly allowances were not paid.

Petitioners’ counsel Advocate Eunus Ali Akond told reporters that following a writ petition filed by his clients the HC on March 21 this year directed the authorities concerned of the government to pay their monthly allowances regularly.

As the authorities did not take any step to comply with the HC directive, the freedom fighters on October 4 filed the contempt of court petition with the HC against the five government officials, he added.

Deputy Attorney General Tapas Kumar Biswas and Assistant Attorney General Titus Hillol Rema represented the state.