Use bar fetters only for top terrors, dangerous criminals: HC
The High Court (HC) on Tuesday ordered the authorities concerned not to use bar fetters for all accused except top terrorists, militants and dangerous criminals.
Moreover, the court ordered the authorities concerned to abide by the Home Ministry's circular strictly in this regard .
The HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah passed the order after hearing a petition seeking an end to the prevalent use of bar fetters.
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Barrister Kaisar Kamal accompanied by advocate Maksud Ullah stood for the petitioners in the court while Deputy Attorney General Tushar Kanti Roy and Assistant Attorney General Selim Azad represented the state.
According to the ministry's circular, the bar fetters can be used only for bringing top terrorists, militants and dangerous criminals to and from the courts and elsewhere.
The HC also issued a rule regarding the legality of bringing a Chhatra Dal leader to his father's Janaza in bar fetters and handcuffs.
On 16 January this year, the petition was submitted seeking an end on the misuse of bar fetters and handcuffs in 64 jails of the country. On 29 January, an initial hearing was held in this regard.
On 13 January, media reports saying 'Chhatra Dal leader attends father's Janaza in bar fatters'. The reports also said the accused was on parole. He is a joint convener of Patuakhali's Mirzaganj upazila unit of BNP's student wing Chhatra Dal.
