Dhaka:  The High Court on Thursday issued a rule asking the government to explain why seven prisoners, who have been serving in Kashimpur Jail without trial in separate case for over 12 years, should not be granted bail.

An HC bench comprising Justice Mohammad Enayetur Rahim and Justice JBM Hassan issued the rule following an appeal by the Supreme Court Legal Aid Services.

It also asked the authorities concerned to produce the seven prisoners before the court on 24 January.

The seven prisoners are, Russel Sheikh of Sadar upazila in Kushita district, Saidur Rahman of Badda in Dhaka, Rajib Hossain of Keraniganj, Pervez of Brahmanbaria district, Masud of Motijheel in Dhaka, Liton of Kalmakanda in Netrakona district and Shahabuddin, of Joydevpur in Gazipur district.

Bahesti Marjan, a lawyer providing information of the seven prisoners and drew the attention of the court on behalf of Supreme Court Legal Aid Services.

The seven prisoners have been languishing in Kashimpur Jail over 12 years without trial in different cases which is a violation of human rights, said Marjan.