The High Court has directed the formation of an investigation committee to determine whether the Children Act, 2013 was properly followed in the arrest of minors following recent political violence in Gopalganj.
The bench of Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Ainunnahar Siddiqua passed the order on Sunday after a preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyers Utpal Biswas and Abeda Bulbul. The court also issued a rule asking why the failure of relevant authorities to apply the Children Act should not be declared illegal.
The petition cited media reports indicating that nine children were among approximately 200 people arrested after clashes broke out surrounding a rally organized by the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). The event reportedly turned violent when activists of the ruling Awami League and its student wing Chhatra League allegedly launched an attack, which escalated into a deadly confrontation with law enforcement agencies.
At least five people have been killed and many others injured in the ensuing violence.
The petitioners argued that the arrests of the children violated legal safeguards provided under the Children Act. In response, the High Court ordered the formation of a probe committee, directing it to submit its findings by November 5.
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