The High Court today directed the government to take steps to stop violence, anarchy and subversive activities that have been prevailing across the country in the name of hartal and blockade since January 6.

In response to a writ petition, the HC also asked the government to explain why the violence and anarchy going on in the name of hartal and blockade would not be declared illegal.

The state functionary must take effective action against those who are trying to create obstacles in holding the Secondary School Certificate examinations by enforcing hartal and blockade, the court said.

It ordered the government to take steps to keep open the educational institutions amid political programmes like shutdown and blockade.       

The HC also issued another rule, seeking government explanation on why political activities, which are detrimental to the education, should not be declared illegal and unconstitutional.

The HC bench of Justice Quazi Reja-Ul Hoque and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman came up with the orders and the rules after hearing two separate writ petitions filed by Shahinur Rahman Shahin, a businessman; and managing committee of Ispahani High School of Keraniganj.

The directives came on the 41st day of blockade enforced by BNP-led 20-party alliance that has so far claimed around 69 lives. The alliance has also observed seven spells of hartal amid the ongoing blockade.

The 20-party alliance has been carrying out the movement to meet its demand for an immediate general election under a nonparty caretaker administration.