The High Court on Wednesday issued a rule as to why directive should not be issued not to give media coverage to statements of BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman, living in London since September, 2008.
An HC division bench comprising Justice Quazi Raza-Ul Hoque and Justice ATM Saifur Rahman passed the interim rule after preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed by a Supreme Court lawyer.Passing the order, the HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why direction should not be given not to publish, broadcast and air the statements of Tarique Rahman.
The rule will remain in force until the rule is disposed of.
The Ministry of Information and all media houses have been made respondents to the rule returnable within four weeks.
The writ was filed with the High Court yesterday seeking its directive upon the media for not publishing or broadcasting speeches of BNP’s senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman and other fugitives.
Lawyer Nasrin Siddique Lina filed the writ and hearing was held on the matter at the High Court bench of Justice Kazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman today, the petitioner said.
“Statement of a fugitive accused cannot be published in the media as it is not publishable,” Lina said.
Tarique Rahman, information ministry, and people concerned were made respondents to the writ. – Agencies
