The High Court today issued a rule asking the government to explain why it should not be directed to digitise the criminal records of convicted persons and make them publicly accessible through an online database.

An HC bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar issued the rule following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Fahmida Akhter on July 30, seeking necessary directives.

The home secretary, law secretary and other officials concerned have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.

Barrister Fahmida herself moved the petition, while Deputy Attorney General Khan Ziaur Rahman represented the state during the hearing.

After the court issued the rule, Fahmida told The Daily Star that an online database containing the records of convicted persons could serve as a preventive measure at a time when crime is increasing in the country.

“If the records of convicted persons are made publicly available, the information will no longer remain confidential and therefore, the fear of social criticism, ostracism and isolation from society may make offenders think twice before committing crimes again,” she said.

She said such a database could also help address the lack of preventive mechanisms in the country.

“Although we have many laws prescribing punishment for crimes, and provisions determining which law should be applied after an offence is committed, we still lack adequate preventive measures and infrastructure,” Fahmida said.

The lawyer pointed out that there is currently no effective verification process for people seeking to employ someone.

A publicly accessible database could help citizens make informed decisions while also upholding their constitutional rights, she added.