Arafat Hasan
A writ has been filed with the High Court yesterday, seeking directives on the dissolution of the 10th parliament 42 days ahead of the next national election and formation of a caretaker government.
The writ, filed by Supreme Court lawyer Eunus Ali Akond, also sought issuance of a rule asking the respondents to take steps in this regard, reports UNB. Furthermore, it sought order for staying the announcement of the election schedule until the disposal of the rule.
Law Secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs secretary, President’s office secretary, Cabinet secretary, secretary to Prime Minister’s Office, Jatiya Sangsad secretary and Chief Election Commissioner have been made respondents to the writ.
As of writing this report on Monday, it is being speculated that the hearing on the writ is likely to be held at the bench of Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Ashraful Kamal this afternoon.
Eunus Ali claimed in the petition that according to proposal of constitution and Article 11, 65(2), the national parliament will be formed with 300 elected members. However, 153 members of the current parliament are not elected directly by people, he alleged. Therefore, the directive has been sought for dissolving parliament ahead of the election.
It adds that if parliament is not dissolved ahead of the election there will be two parliaments at the same time as per Article 123(3), which is contrary to Articles 65 and 123(3). Also, contesting the election keeping intact the parliament membership goes against the constitution, Ali said.