Dhaka, Sept. 28 -- The High Court has issued a rule asking why drug tests should not be made mandatory for prospective candidates in national and local government elections.

It also wants to know why laws, rules and guidelines should not be amended to disqualify anyone who tests positive or refuses to undergo a drug test.

The bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice Sk Tahsin Ali issued the order on Monday after an initial hearing on a petition.

The cabinet secretary, law secretary, home secretary, local government secretary, chief election commissioner, secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat and director general of the Department of Narcotics Control have been asked to respond.

Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Jahan ...