DHAKA, Nov 30: The High Court of Bangladesh on Wednesday ordered the government to submit reports on the progress in the investigation into bomb attacks in different court premises starting from August 17.

The court also asked the government to submit fortnightly reports on its steps to ensure the safety and security of the judges, lawyers, employees and users of the courts of law.

The court also issued a rule nisi on the government to show cause within two weeks as to why its continuous failure to discharge constitutional obligations to hold impartial, adequate and effective investigation into bomb blasts at courthouses should not be declared to be a failure to protect fundamental rights.

The government will also have to explain why the court should not issue a directive for it to take effective steps for the investigation into ‘the harbouring of militancy inside the ruling alliance’, taking cognizance of the allegations levelled by some ruling party lawmakers.

The court passed the orders upon hearing a writ petition by the chairman of the human rights committee of the Bangladesh Bar Council, ZI Khan Panna.