Following discussions with Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, it has been decided that 12 judges accused of corruption and collusion with the Awami League government will not be assigned to any judicial benches. This confirmation was made by Dr. Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan, the Registrar General of the Supreme Court, on Wednesday.
The announcement responds to demands from students protesting under the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who are calling for the removal of judges appointed by what they describe as a fascist government in the High Court.
Dr. Bhuiyan indicated that on Sunday, October 20, when the court reconvenes, the case regarding the judges` removal will be presented to the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division. He also noted that the 12 judges have already been placed on leave.
In a series of meetings, six of the judges attended an invitation from Justice Ahmed, which confirmed their placement on leave. Those present included Justices SM Moniruzzaman, Khondkar Diliruzzaman, Md Akteruzzaman, Shahed Md Nuruddin, SM Masud Hossain Dolon, and Md Aminul Islam. Although six other judges did not attend the meeting, sources confirmed they will also be placed on leave.
The invitation to these judges came amid allegations that they had acted as accomplices to the previous Awami League-led government. The meeting, called by the Chief Justice, altered the day`s agenda and was prompted by numerous allegations of corruption and misconduct linked to their ties with the former administration.
Dr. Bhuiyan also mentioned a meeting with a delegation from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. “We had an extensive discussion, and we also spoke with the Chief Justice about this matter,” he said. He explained that while there is a process for the resignation or removal of judges, there is currently no law in the country addressing this issue. Although the previous government had amended laws regarding the removal of judges, the Supreme Court invalidated that amendment. The government has since requested a review of that decision, and a ruling is expected from the Appellate Division on October 20.
He emphasized that while resignations from judges are requested, their appointment and removal fall under the President`s jurisdiction. The Chief Justice has taken appropriate actions regarding the situation.
As a result, the 12 judges will be barred from performing judicial duties, and it is anticipated that the Attorney General`s office will raise this matter in court on October 20.
In response, Hasanat Abdullah, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, expressed hope for a ruling on the 16th Amendment of the Constitution on October 20. He demanded the judges` resignation by that day, stating, “We will wait until Sunday afternoon for the ruling. We have protested with determination against those stained with the blood of 2,000 martyrs. They wish to bring back the murderer Hasina. The Supreme Court lacks the power to remove them, so we call on law enforcement to arrest those involved based on video evidence. They must be arrested within 24 hours.”
Abdullah further emphasized that the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has given an ultimatum until Sunday for the removal of the 12 judges. If their demands are not met, they plan to escalate their protests. “We have ousted the fascist government through the movement of students and the people. As a result of our movement, an interim government has been formed. We do not wish to see any more fascist governments in this country.”
