The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court is set to deliver its judgment tomorrow on the appeals filed against the High Court's verdict that declared parts of the 15th amendment to the constitution 'unconstitutional and void'. The four-member apex court bench, led by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, concluded the hearing and announced the judgment date in a short order.
Background of the 15th Amendment
The 15th amendment of the constitution, passed in the Jatiya Sangsad on June 30, 2011, and gazetted on July 3, 2011, brought changes to 54 provisions of the constitution. One of the significant changes was the abolition of the caretaker government system.
High Court's Previous Verdict
On December 17, 2024, the High Court declared the scrapping of the caretaker government system as 'illegal' and restored the provision of a referendum in the constitution. This verdict was challenged through several writ petitions.
Petitions and Appeals
Four eminent citizens, including Badiul Alam Majumder of SUJON, Freedom Fighter Md Mofazzal Hossain, and Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Miah Golam Parwar, filed writ petitions against the 15th amendment. Senior Advocate Sharif Bhuiyan represented four individuals, while Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazol and Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek R Haque represented the state. Senior Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir appeared for Jamaat-e-Islami, and Advocate ASM Shahriar Kabir represented another appellant.
Significance of the Judgment
The Supreme Court's judgment on the appeals will have significant implications for Bangladesh's political landscape. It will determine the constitutionality of the 15th amendment and its provisions, particularly the abolition of the caretaker government system. The decision is expected to influence future political processes and governance structures in the country.
