The present government is actively considering formation of an enquiry commission to probe the 2001 post-elections violence and taking actions against the persons responsible for the violent incidents.

The government has informed this to the High Court (HC) through an affidavit in reply to its (HC) rule that came upon a writ petition challenging the inaction of the law enforcement agencies to prevent the criminal activities taking place immediately after the 8th parliamentary polls in 2001.

In the reply submitted to the HC through the attorney general's office on April 15, the government said the perpetrators of the alleged offences had the blessings of the government elected in 2001 polls and thereafter, an interim government ruled for two years.

Though belated, the present government has taken up the matter for necessary action, it said.

According to the affidavit, the formation of a commission for investigation into the post-elections violence, including murder, rape, arson and grievous hurt, is under active consideration of the government.

In response to the writ petition filed by seven lawyers of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), the HC bench comprised of ABM Khairul Haque and Justice Md Abdul Hye on February 2 this year issued a rule upon the government to explain why it (government) should not be directed to form a judicial enquiry commission to probe the 2001 post-elections violence.

The writ petition has stated that despite hundreds of criminal activities including killing, torture and looting against the opposition leaders and workers across the country after the 2001 polls, the law enforcement agencies did not take appropriate actions to save lives and properties of the people.

The petition also said that many people suffered immensely and had been deprived of the citizen's rights due to inaction of the law enforcers and their failures to perform duties.

The final hearing on the petition may be held soon.