The High Court has directed the authorities concerned to submit documents determining genuine death of birth of BNP chief Khaleda Zia within 60 days.

A Division Bench comprising Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Sardar Md Rashed Jahangir issued the order on Sunday.

The court order came following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Mamun Or Rashid, challenging the legality of celebrating birthday by Khaleda Zia on August 15.

The Hight Court also issued a rule asking the respondents to show causes as to why their inaction to prosecute Khaleda Zia under relevant law for celebrating her birthday to malign and undermine the solemnity of National Mourning Day shall not be declared illegal.

Secretaries to the ministries of home affairs and health and family planning, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, and Officer-in-Charge of Gulshan Police Station will have to reply to the rule.

In the passport, Khaleda Zia showed August 15, 1946 as her death of birth, the petitioner contended.

He said BNP chief projected the date to malign the National Mourning Day.

Khaleda Zia's date of birth is September 5, 1946 as per SSC certificate; August 4, 1944 as per marriage register, August 5, 1946 as per MRP, and May 8, 1946 as per Covid-19 test report, the petitioner said.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members was killed on August 15, 1975.

BNP chief has invited much criticism in social and political arena for celebrating birthday on the day.

BDST: 2044 HRS, JUN 13, 2021
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