The High Court on Sunday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the failure to take effective steps to protect and ensure the fundamental rights of street children should not be declared illegal.
The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan passed the order following a writ petition filed in the form of public interest litigation.
The court also wanted to know why the authorities should not be directed to formulate necessary rules, policies or laws to ensure protection, rehabilitation and welfare of street children.
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It asked them to explain why a nationwide investigation and survey should not be conducted to determine the actual condition of street children.
The HC also sought an explanation as to why effective measures should not be taken to prevent all forms of harassment, abuse, neglect and exploitation targeting street children.
Advocates Md Tanvir Ahmed, Biplob Kumar Poddar, Barrister Nishad Mahmud, Noor Muhammad Shahin Shahnewaz and SM Zakir Hossain appeared for the writ petitioner.
Earlier, Equitas Foundation filed the writ seeking steps to ensure the rights, rehabilitation and registration of street children.