The High Court yesterday directed the government to bring all the cases filed against a BNP leader for issuing a "death threat" to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before a single court in Rajshahi for trial.

A total of 17 cases have been filed in 12 districts against Abu Sayeed Chand after he made a political speech in Rajshahi.

The HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Mohammad Showkat Ali Chowdhury issued the order following a petition filed by Chand's daughter challenging the filing and initiation of cases against him in connection with a single issue.

Petitioner's lawyer Kayser Kamal said filing more than one case in connection with a single incident is contradictory to Article 35 (2) of the constitution.

Chand, BNP's Rajshahi district convener, in a rally on Shibpur High School premises in Puthia, Rajshahi, on May 19, allegedly made a "death threat" to the PM.

During the hearing, the HC bench told the deputy attorney general that cases have been lodged in many places for a single offence, which can cause sufferings.