HC asks govt not to arrest any party man in Barishal

The High Court on Thursday asked the authorities concerned not to harass or arrest the leaders and activists of any political party ahead of the Barishal City Corporation (BCC) elections.

An HC bench of justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and justice Md Ashraful Kamal passed the order following a writ petition filed by Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, BNP-backed mayor candidate in the BCC election, reports UNB.

The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the arrest of BNP leaders, activists, supporters and election campaigner would not be declared illegal.

The home secretary, the commissioner of Barishal police, the superintendent of police and the deputy commissioner have been made respondent to the rule.

The City Corporation election is scheduled to be held on 30 July.

The BNP leaders and activists have complained of massive arrest and harrassment of the opposition men ahead of the elections also in Rajshahi and Sylhet civic polls.