Dhaka - A court Sunday ordered Bangladesh's military-backed interim government to refrain from arresting or harassing ex-premier Sheikh Hasina Wazed, now paroled for medical treatment abroad.

The High Court passed the order after hearing Hasina's petitions for bail in two graft cases, counsel of the former prime minister said. The measure applies until October 20.

Hasina, chief of Bangladesh's major opposition Awami League party, was allowed to go to the United States for medical treatment after she was paroled from prison on June 11. The parole deadline expires Monday unless the government extends it.

Hasina, now staying in Canada with her daughter, was implicated in five graft cases after the military-backed government installed in January 2007 launched a massive anti-crime drive, mainly against politicians. (dpa)