Legal notice seeks govt action over Bangladeshi ships' safe passage thru Strait of Hormuz
Speaking to journalists after issuing the notice, the lawyer said it was served in the public interest.
A Supreme Court lawyer has sent a legal notice urging the government to take appropriate diplomatic steps to ensure the safe movement of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The notice was sent today (20 April) by Advocate Mahmudul Hasan to cabinet secretary, foreign secretary, secretary of the power, energy and mineral resources ministry and the secretary of the commerce ministry.
Speaking to journalists after issuing the notice, the lawyer said it was served in the public interest.
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He warned that a writ petition would be filed if the government fails to take necessary steps within 10 days.
According to the notice, Bangladeshi ships are currently facing obstruction in the Strait of Hormuz due to the activities of Iran's navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
It claimed that disruptions along this crucial maritime route have severely impacted Bangladesh's fuel supply chain, leading to a sharp increase in fuel prices nationwide.
The rise in transportation and production costs has pushed up prices of essential commodities, placing a significant strain on lower and middle-income family and severely weakening their purchasing power, the notice stated.
The notice also alleged that the government has failed to address the ongoing economic crisis and protect citizens' constitutional rights.
While acknowledging that foreign policy falls under executive authority, it stated that any diplomatic inaction conflicting with constitutional provisions is subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court.
Referring to international and constitutional obligations, the notice cited Article 25(c), which committed the state to supporting oppressed people worldwide.
It claimed that the people of Iran are currently facing unjust aggression by the United States and Israel.
The notice argued that if Bangladesh formally expresses diplomatic support for Iran, it could facilitate constructive engagement with Iranian authorities to ensure uninterrupted passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, thereby helping ease the country's economic strain.
It called on the government to align its foreign policy in support of the Iranian people and initiate diplomatic discussions with Iranian authorities within 10 days to guarantee safe and uninterrupted maritime transit.
Failure to take appropriate action within the stipulated timeframe will result in a public interest writ petition being filed, the notice added.
