Protocol to VIPs: Govt asked to follow warrant of precedence

The High Court today directed the authorities concerned of the government to continue providing privileges (protocol) “without fail” to those who are supposed to get such privileges as per the warrant of the precedence.

The High Court bench of Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice Mohammad Ali passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Advocate Shahinur Rahman seeking necessary order over the issue.

“The deputy commissioners and superintendents of police and other concerned in the metropolitan cities and all other townships have been directed to provide the requisite privileges by virtue of the constitution, warrant of precedence and the laws of this land,” the High Court bench said in the order.

“It is important to remind everyone that when the justices of the court think aloud and speak their thoughts, it is risky to take their words in that situation as being the ultimate version,” the High Court said.

In the case at hand, the words of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahsan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader had been taken out of context and has thus gone on to create confusion in numerous cases,” the HC bench said.

It also said, “In future it is imperative that people not jump to conclusion simply based on the word uttered by the court without having gone through the final judgment where the court is allowed time to reflect and properly circulate its intention and thoughts.”

“This holds most true for those burdened with the task of delivering news to the public.”

Being the mouthpiece of the agents of society and state, we hold journalists to high esteem and thus expect them to also bear great responsibility.

“Such a responsibility entails reflecting the whole truth, as opposed to simply highlighting a fraction of it,” the HC observed.

The HC bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader on July 31 observed that government officials are merely the servants of the republic, and they are not “very important persons” (VIPs).

Only the president and the prime minister of the country are the VVIPs (very, very important persons) and security issues are involved with regard to their movements, said the bench said while hearing a writ petition filed in connection with the death of 13-year-old Titash Ghosh.