Bangladesh HC seeks explanation from Govt.

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, NOV. 25. In a significant development against the backdrop of alleged persecution of minorities, the High Court here has issued a rule nisi asking the Government to explain within four weeks why it should not be asked to take steps to protect the religious minorities from terrorist attacks and harassment.

The directive was issued following a writ petition contending that the Government had failed in discharging its constitutional and legal obligations to protect the lives and property of the minorities, particularly the Hindus, especially in the aftermath of the October 1 general election.

The petition filed by the Ain-o-Salish Kendra (ASK), a legal and human rights body, on Saturday claimed that since the announcement of the schedule for the Parliamentary election, the religious minorities had come under threats and attacks.

Properties were looted, women and children were raped, it said.

Citing its own investigation and newspaper reports, the petition sought the court's directive to the Home Ministry and police administration to perform their duties.

The court will hear a plea for punishment of persons for perpetrating attacks on the Hindus on Tuesday next.

Meanwhile the arrest of a leading journalist, Mr. Shahriar Kabir, whose bail petition was rejected by the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court today, has created a storm here. Mr. Kabir was detained by the Special Branch on November 22 as he arrived from Kolkata. His family members were allowed to meet him today.

After two days of detention and subsequent arrest, the Government said that Mr. Kabir had engaged in ``anti-state activities outside the country for quite sometime''. The Government admitted the seizure of several video and audio cassettes. According to a Government release, ``preliminary investigation revealed that the material seized contained information and photographic documentation against the interests of the country.''

The Government maintained that Mr. Kabir's activities outside the country ran counter to national interest and state security. He was also charged with ``maligning the elected Government''.

Several leading Bangladesh dailies, including the Daily Star and Prothom Alo published editorials today demanding the release of Mr. Kabir.

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