Dhaka: The High Court on Monday asked the law enforcers not to arrest or harass any BNP leaders and activities of Khulna until the Khulna City Corporation Election is held.

HC said no arrest can be made in violation of previous Appellate Division order in this regard.

A High Court bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal passed the order following a petition filed by BNP Vice Chairman Mohammad Shahjahan.

Barrister Moudud Ahmed stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Motahar Hossain Saju represented the state, reports the UNB.

The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the mass arrest of BNP leaders and activities of Khulna and election campaigners, defying the directives of the Appellate Division should not be declared illegal.

Election Commission, Home secretary, Inspector General of Police, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Khulna have been made respondents to the rule.

Moudud said ‘The arrest of BNP leaders and activists made by the law enforcers is not legal and the arrests have been made violating the Supreme Court order. Those who are involved in it, is not maintaining the law.’

There is a guideline in the Supreme Court directives regarding the mass arrest, he said.

Khulna City Corporation election is scheduled to be held on May 15. A total of five mayor candidates, 148 general councilor and 38 reserved-seat female councilor candidates are there in the election race.