Dhaka, June 29 -- The High Court has issued a rule questioning the legality of provisions that restrict maternity leave and benefits for working women.

The court asked why the restrictions should not be declared unconstitutional for being inconsistent with the Constitution, and why different maternity leave entitlements for women in the public and private sectors should not be struck down.

The rule was issued on Monday by a High Court bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Asif Hasan after hearing a writ petition challenging the validity of the existing legal provisions.

The petition was filed on Jun 15 by Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Hasan, naming 12 respondents, including the cabinet secretary and the law secretary.

Speaking ...