Dhaka, July 31— The scheduled hearing for the writ petition seeking the release of six coordinators of the quota reform movement from the custody of the Detective Branch (DB) and a directive to cease firing on protesting students did not take place on Wednesday. The postponement occurred as one of the judges on the High Court bench, Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam, is currently on vacation. The exact duration of the judge's leave is unclear, and the new date for the hearing will likely be determined upon his return.
The High Court bench, comprising Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolan, expressed sorrow over the recent deaths related to the quota reform movement, describing them as tragic for all involved. The bench also emphasized the importance of adhering to the constitution and laws, noting, "All matters are written in the constitution and law. But none of us are following the constitution, the law."
The writ petition, filed on Monday, July 29, by Supreme Court lawyers Manzoor Al Mateen Pritam and Ainunnahar Siddika, challenges actions taken by various government entities. The petition names the Secretary of the Cabinet, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and others as respondents.
The hearing's postponement has left the status of the detained coordinators and the legal guidance on handling student protests uncertain. The legal community and concerned citizens are awaiting the rescheduled hearing to gain clarity on these critical issues.
Comment: