Fetters cannot be used for ordinary accused: HC

The High Court has ordered that fetters (danda-beri) cannot be used for any accused, except for top terrorists, militants and violent convicts.

A HC bench of Justice Mostafa Jaman Islam and Justice Mohammad Atabullah passed the order on Tuesday (January 30) after holding hearing on a writ petition.

It has been asked to follow strictly the circular of the Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard.

On January 13, accused Md Nazmul Mridha, leader of Patuakhali’s Mirzaganj Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), participated in his father’s namaj-e-janaza cuffed and fettered. Though his handcuffs were opened during the namaj-e-janaza, his fetters were not opened.

Barrister Kayser Kamal brought the matter to the High Court’s attention on January 15. Then the HC advised for a writ.

A writ was filed on January 16 seeking an HC directive to stop the use of mass fetters at all jails.