Why not make dope tests mandatory for election candidates: HC

A High Court rule on Monday asked authorities concerned to explain why provisions should not be framed to make dope tests mandatory for candidates of national and local elections.

The HC bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice Sheikh Tahsin Ali issued the rule following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Jahan Oni.

The rule also asked why candidates who test positive for drug use or refuse to undergo the test should not be declared ineligible to contest elections.

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, have been asked to respond to the rule.

The writ petition initially sought a stay on national parliamentary elections until mandatory drug testing for candidates is incorporated into electoral laws.

Advocate Ishrat Jahan Oni said that Bangladesh's electoral laws and regulations currently have no clear provision requiring candidates to undergo dope tests, although such tests were mandatory for recruitment to certain government jobs, including positions in the police.

‘We, as citizens, regularly pay taxes. Those who represent us – whether as MPs or local government representatives – must be drug-free and of sound mind. A person addicted to drugs cannot properly uphold the rights of the people or represent them,” she said.

She argued that candidates should be required to submit dope test certificates issued by government-approved laboratories or hospitals along with their nomination papers.