Writ seeks action against accused law enforcers

The petition asks the court to question the authorities’ failure to consider administrative measures against the accused officials under existing laws and service rules A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking directives for the authorities to take administrative action against members of law enforcement agencies named as accused in criminal cases filed over incidents during the July mass uprising.

Petitioner Advocate SM Zulfikar Ali Junu confirmed the matter on Friday.

The respondents in the writ include the home secretary, the inspector general of police, the director general of the Rapid Action Battalion and the director general of the Border Guard Bangladesh.

According to the petition, several members of law enforcement agencies have been named in first information reports in criminal cases over alleged shootings during the July mass uprising.

The petition argues that allowing the accused officials to remain on duty while investigations are ongoing could undermine the impartiality of the probes, weaken public confidence and compromise the rule of law.

It clarifies that the petitioner is not seeking a declaration that the accused officials are guilty. Rather, the petition requests the court to direct the competent authorities to consider appropriate administrative measures, including temporary suspension or restriction of official duties, in line with applicable laws and service rules until investigations are completed.

The writ also seeks a rule asking the authorities to explain why their failure to consider administrative action against the accused officials under existing laws and service rules should not be declared unlawful.

It further seeks directives for the authorities to consider temporary suspension or other administrative measures against the officials concerned until disposal of the writ, ensure speedy, impartial and independent investigations into cases related to the July mass uprising, and pass any other order the court deems necessary in the interest of justice.

The petition was submitted with supporting documents, including reports published in national newspapers, online news reports, representations submitted to the authorities concerned and postal receipts.