The High Court (HC) on Monday (July 13) issued a rule asking authorities to explain why Shaheed Abu Sayeed, Mir Mugdha, Wasim, and other martyrs of the July-August mass uprising should not be officially recognised as national heroes.

The bench, led by Justice Fahmida Kader, also questioned why a directive should not be issued to prepare an accurate and authentic list of the martyrs involved in the movement and publish it through an official gazette.

In a separate observation, the court asked why the then Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed Yunus, should not be declared the "national reformer of new Bangladesh" for his role during that period.

The Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, and other relevant government officials have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.

Advocate Mohammad Ali Jinnah appeared on behalf of the petitioners, while Assistant Attorney General Ikramul Kabir represented the state.

MSK/