Dhaka: The High Court on Sunday set January 18 for hearing a rule issued asking the authorities concerned to explain why ‘Joy Bangla’ should not be declared as the national slogan.

The HC also asked the government to present its policy or observation, if any, in this regard within the given time.

The HC bench of Justice Kazi Rezaul Haque and Mahmudullah passed the order following a time petition by the State.

Deputy attorney general Taposh Kumar Biswas and assistant attorney general Titas Hillol Rema stood for the State while Supreme Court lawyer Dr Bashir Ahmed for the petitioner.

Earlier, on December 4, the bench issued the rule asking the Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary and Education Secretary respond to the rule.