Court Correspondent :The High Court on Monday issued a rule asking ASM Firoz, Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, the government and the Election Commission to explain under what authority he has been holding the office of MP from Patuakuhali-2 constituency.Responding to a writ petition filed by Bauphal Pourasava Mayor Ziaul Huq, challenging his membership in the Jatiya Sangsad, the HC Division Bench comprising Justice Salma Masud Chowdhury and Justice Habibul Gani issued the rule, returnable in four weeks.Referring to section 12 (1) (m) of the RPO (Representation of People Order), the writ petitioner said Firoz, an alleged bank loan defaulter as director of Patuakhali Jute Mills Limited, was barred from contesting in the January 5 parliamentary elections as he ‘failed’ to reschedule bank loan within the stipulated period. According to rule, a candidate must be cleared of charge from loan defaulter list a week before filing the nomination paper.Among others, Election Commission Secretary, secretary to the Parliament Secretariat, Law Secretary, and Sonali Bank authorities have also been made respondents to the rule.Barrister Rafique-ul Huq, assisted by Barrister Siddiqur Rahman Khan and M Monirul Islam appeared for the petitioner.
