The High Court on Tuesday issued an injunction on the sale of firearms used during the country's Liberation War in 1971.

The court also asked the authorities concerned to submit a report on what steps have been taken to preserve and protect the weapons within six months. 

The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Mohi Uddin Shamim came up with the order and rule following a petition filed challenging the government's reported move to sell the weapons.

Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan (Panna) and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a national legal aid and human rights organisation, filed writ on November 15 attaching a report of Daily Prothom Alo stating that the government wants to sell firearms of the Liberation War.

In the rule, the court asked the authorities concerned of the government to explain why they should not be directed to preserve firearms as a national heritage for future generations and why the sale of the weapons should not be declared illegal.

Secretaries of Defence Ministry, Finance Ministry, Liberation War Ministry, and Commerce Ministry were made respondents to the rule.

BDST: 1730 HRS, NOV 24, 2020
AP/SMS