Why blockade should not be declared unconstitutional, HC asks govt to explain

The High Court today issued a rule upon the government and political parties in the country to explain in four weeks why blockade should not be declared unconstitutional.

In the rule, the court also asked the government to show cause why its inaction in imposing reasonable restriction on enforcement in hartal and blockade should not be declared illegal.

The government and the political parties have also been asked to explain why enforcing hartal without any prior notice within a reasonable time would not be declared illegal.

The court also asked the government to answer why it would not be directed to waive the interest of the bank loan of the four business organisations from January 6 to till withdrawal of ongoing shutdowns.

The government and the political parties have been asked to explain why it should not be directed to compensate the business organistions which have suffered financial loss due to hartal and blockade.

They have also been asked to explain why the political parties who are enforcing hartal and blockade should not be held responsible.

The HC bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman issued the rule following a writ petition filed by four business organisations yesterday.

The four leading business bodies filed the writ petition with the High Court seeking its direction on the government to impose reasonable restrictions on hartals and blockade in an attempt to save businesses from financial loss.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Textiles Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association collectively submitted the petition.

The BNP-led 20-party alliance has enforced a countrywide blockade since January 6.