Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sorafuzzaman Ansari issued the arrest warrant after taking cognisance of a charge-sheet filed against them in the case.
Earlier on December 15, investigation officer and sub-inspector of Shahbagh Police Station Md Ramzan Ali submitted the charge-sheet against 71 BNP leaders and activists, including Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Jubo Dal General Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku and Nirob.
The IO sought an arrest warrant for the 38 BNP men as they have been on the run.
On December 19, 2017, a clash took place between police and BNP men when they gathered in the High Court Mazar area as the motorcade of their chairperson Kheleda Zia was passing through the area after she appeared before a makeshift court in Bakshibazar in a graft case.
Later, sub-inspector of Shahbagh Police Station Jamsedur Rahman filed a case in this regard.