In a landmark decision, the Appellate Division has reinstated the non-partisan caretaker government system in the Constitution.
On Thursday (20 November), a full bench of seven justices, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered the ruling. With this verdict, the caretaker government structure—abolished 14 years ago—returns and will be implemented from the 14th national election.
During a post-verdict briefing, lawyers stated that the hearing concluded on 11 November, after which the bench scheduled 20 November for announcing the judgment. Senior lawyers Zainul Abedin and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal argued on behalf of the BNP in this highly discussed appeal.
Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir represented Jamaat-e-Islami, while senior lawyer Sharif Bhuiyan argued on behalf of five prominent citizens. Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman appeared for the state. The hearing continued for ten consecutive working days.
Both the appellants and the state argued that reinstating the caretaker government system is essential for restoring democratic stability, noting that its abolition had triggered political crises across the country.
BNP lawyer Zainul Abedin said, “Through this verdict, the people of Bangladesh will once again be able to cast their votes freely. Democracy will be safeguarded. Today, we have stepped away from a politics of conflict.”