Dhaka, May 21 -- The High Court has questioned why successive governments have failed for decades to appoint an ombudsman to tackle administrative abuse and public harassment, asking why the prolonged inaction should not be declared unconstitutional.

The bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice Abdur Rahman issued the rule following a primary hearing on a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Hasan.

The court also asked the government to explain why it should not be directed to make the office of the ombudsman fully functional.

The cabinet secretary, along with the secretaries of the Law and Justice Division and the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division have been ordered to respond to the rule.

Ishrat...