A writ petition remains one of the most powerful constitutional remedies for protecting citizens’ rights, with a single petition before the High Court often leading to relief for individuals and bringing long-term benefits for thousands of people across the country.
Under Article 102 of the Constitution, citizens can seek five types of writs from the High Court. These constitutional remedies allow the court to review government actions, protect fundamental rights and ensure that public authorities perform their legal duties.
Five types of writs
Writ of Habeas Corpus: This writ is used when a person is detained or arrested without lawful authority. The High Court can direct the authorities to produce the detained person before it and examine whether the detention is lawful; Writ of Mandamus: Through this writ, the High Court orders a public authority or government official to perform a legal duty that has been neglected or refused; Writ of Certiorari: This writ empowers the High Court to cancel an order or decision of a subordinate court, tribunal or public authority if it acted beyond its jurisdiction, lacked legal authority or committed an error of law; Writ of Prohibition: This writ prevents a subordinate court or tribunal from continuing proceedings in a matter beyond its lawful jurisdiction.
Writ of Quo Warranto: This allows the High Court to examine whether a person legally holds a public office and whether the appointment was made in accordance with law.
PIL opens new avenue for public justice
The legal foundation of public interest litigation (PIL) in Bangladesh was established through the landmark Mohiuddin Farooque v Bangladesh case.
In its judgment, the court recognised that individuals or organisations could seek legal remedies in matters involving public welfare even if they were not personally affected by the issue.
Since then, public interest writ petitions have played an important role in shaping Bangladesh’s legal landscape. Several landmark rulings have protected individual rights, addressed social issues and introduced reforms affecting millions of people.
Breastfeeding corners in public places
Following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Hasan on behalf of infant Umair, the High Court directed authorities to establish breastfeeding corners at workplaces, airports, bus terminals, railway stations, shopping malls and other public places.
The directive also covered government and autonomous institutions, aiming to ensure a more supportive environment for mothers and infants.
Rivers recognised as legal entities
In a landmark ruling on river protection, the High Court, while hearing a writ petition over river encroachment and pollution, recognised the Turag River and all rivers in Bangladesh as legal entities.
The judgment strengthened legal efforts to protect rivers and provided a stronger basis for removing illegal encroachments.
Education access through mother’s identity
In another significant ruling, the High Court directed educational institutions to allow admission forms to be completed using only the mother’s name.
The decision helped children who could not identify or disclose their father’s identity to continue their education without facing discrimination.
Tk 30 lakh compensation for child worker
After a six-year legal battle, child worker Naim Hasan Nahid, who lost a hand while working at a workshop, received compensation of Tk 30 lakh on 6 July 2026.
The compensation followed a writ petition filed by his father, leading to a High Court judgment and subsequent directives from the Appellate Division.
Measures against ragging and harassment
The High Court directed all universities and university colleges across the country to establish anti-ragging committees and implement the Ministry of Education’s anti-ragging policy to protect students from abuse.
Separately, in a landmark 2009 judgment, the High Court ordered all educational institutions to form complaint committees to prevent and address sexual harassment.
The directives remained the country’s key framework for addressing sexual harassment in educational institutions for years.
Right to emergency medical care
Following a writ petition concerning the refusal of emergency treatment by several hospitals, the High Court directed all hospitals across the country to provide immediate medical care to critically injured patients.
The order reinforced citizens’ right to access life-saving emergency healthcare.
Need for responsible use of PIL
Supreme Court senior lawyer Barrister Salauddin Dolon told BSS that writ petitions were a constitutional right and that PIL had allowed courts to intervene in many cases to uphold justice and protect legal rights.
“A writ petition is a constitutional right. Through public interest litigation (PIL), the courts have, in many instances, intervened to uphold justice and ensure the legal rights of individuals,” he said.
However, he warned against misuse of writ petitions for personal publicity.
“Many people also file writ petitions on irrelevant issues merely as a shortcut to gain media attention. This is deeply unfortunate. In such cases, the media and journalists must act responsibly so that no one can exploit matters lacking genuine public interest to advance personal interests,” he added.
Barrister Dolon stressed that the opportunity to file public interest litigation must remain open for the broader benefit of society and the state.
