Dhaka, Oct 26 (V7N)- A writ petition has been submitted to the High Court, seeking a formal gazette notification to recognize the current interim government as a "revolutionary government." The petition also requests a declaration honoring those who were injured or lost their lives in the July movement as freedom fighters.

Barrister ASM Shahriar Kabir, representing petitioner freedom fighter Mofazzal Hossain, confirmed to The Business Standard that the writ was filed on October 23. The petition is expected to be heard by the High Court bench, consisting of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, on Sunday.

Additionally, the petition urges the court to declare the government's lack of action in issuing these gazettes as illegal. Barrister Kabir argued that the current government operates outside constitutional frameworks and the Appellate Division’s ruling on the 13th Amendment. He warned that, without a formal revolutionary designation, the court might deem the interim government unconstitutional, risking replacement by military intervention.

Kabir cited examples of revolutionary governments in nations like Romania, Iran, and Egypt, where popular uprisings led to similar recognitions. He also stated that revolutionary governments are shielded from removal by military or judicial means.

The petition emerged following a legal notice sent to government officials on October 20, requesting the interim government be recognized as revolutionary. After no response was received, the writ petition was filed.

Details of the Petition

The writ asserts that on August 5, the "autocratic government," including the former prime minister and ministers, fled the country, leading to a revolutionary movement impacting sectors like the judiciary, media, and administration. The petitioner argues that these changes necessitate a consensus-based government beyond constitutional norms, which should be formally recognized through a proclamation.

The petition also claims that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina relocated to India, allegedly without her Bangladeshi passport, after her diplomatic documents were revoked. Rumors suggest she may have obtained a new Bangladeshi passport and an Indian visa. The petitioner alleges that Hasina might be preparing to establish a government-in-exile in an attempt to counter the revolutionary government.

The respondents in this writ include the cabinet secretary, principal secretary to the chief adviser, law secretary, and the personal secretary to the law adviser.

END/MSS/RH