Process to Remove Justice Akhtaruzzaman, Who ruled against Khaleda Zia, Begins

Staff Reporter

Justice Md. Akhtaruzzaman of the Supreme Court’s High Court Division is under investigation, following an order signed by the President of Bangladesh and forwarded to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).

On Sunday, March 23, the Supreme Court administration announced the directive.

Several lawyers allege that Justice Akhtaruzzaman is being targeted for delivering a verdict against Khaleda Zia in the Zia Charitable Trust case. Anonymous sources within the judiciary claim the Yunus-led government is pushing for his removal due to this verdict.

Previously, the constitution was amended to form the Supreme Judicial Council comprising the Chief Justice and two senior judges. Critics argue that this amendment was politically motivated.

Justice Akhtaruzzaman is among the 12 High Court judges who were forced to take mandatory leave on October 20, following protests against alleged partisan and corrupt judges. Of the 12, some have retired, resigned, or had their temporary tenures lapse, leaving six under scrutiny.

The Supreme Court’s website released a notice stating:
“Under Article 96(5)(b) of the Constitution, the President has directed the Supreme Judicial Council to conduct a full investigation regarding Justice Md. Akhtaruzzaman.”

Justice Khizir Hayat, perceived as an “Awami-leaning” judge, was previously removed under similar circumstances.

The Supreme Judicial Council, reinstated after the annulment of the 16th constitutional amendment, is tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct against judges and submitting its findings to the President.

Further developments are awaited regarding Justice Akhtaruzzaman and the remaining judges under investigation.