Collected PhotoThe High Court has issued a rule asking why drug tests should not be made mandatory for candidates contesting local government and national elections by amending the relevant election rules and laws.A High Court bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice Sheikh Tahsin Ali issued the rule on Monday following a writ petition filed by a Supreme Court lawyer.
Petitioner Israt Jahan Oni said the people who represent citizens must be free from drugs.
She said drug tests are already required for government jobs and for police personnel. She questioned why the same requirement should not apply to members of parliament, local chairmen and members who represent taxpayers and other citizens.
“If a person representing us is addicted to drugs, they cannot properly represent us or protect the rights of the people,” she said.
“That is why drug tests should be made mandatory. We want our representatives to be healthy, normal and sound-minded people,” she added.
The petition named seven respondents including the Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, Home Secretary, Local Government Secretary, Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission Secretary and Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control.
FP/R
