Restaurant rainds to continue: HC

The High Court has directed the authorities concerned to continue the ongoing raids at restaurants in Dhaka.

The court meanwhile stated that all 13 restaurants at the Gawsia Twin Peak building on Satmasjid Road which were shut down earlier by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) would remain closed.

A dual bench of the HC passed the order after holding primary hearing of a writ petition seeking opening of the restaurants.

On March 12, the HC issued a rule asking why harassment in the name of drive would not be declared illegal.

Earlier, a writ petition was filed by the owners of hotels and restaurant with the High Court seeking an end to harassment in the name of drives.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police started drives at different restaurants in the capital following the death of 46 people in a fire at Green Cozy Cottage at Bailey Road on February 29.

A total of 872 people were arrested and 20 cases were filed during the drives.