Six High Court judges, accused of collaborating with the ousted Hasina government, have been sent on leave. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed personally informed the judges of this decision during a meeting on Wednesday, reports UNB.
In a series of meetings, the judges entered the Chief Justice's office, and it was confirmed that six of them attended an invitation extended by Justice Ahmed. Those present included Justices S.M. Moniruzzaman, Khondkar Diliruzzaman, Md. Akteruzzaman, Shahed Md. Nuruddin, S.M. Masud Hossain Dolon, and Md. Aminul Islam. The Chief Justice informed these judges that they would be placed on leave.
While six other judges did not attend the meeting, sources confirmed they will also be placed on leave, regardless of their presence. Several Supreme Court judges verified this development on Wednesday afternoon.
When asked for comment, Supreme Court Registrar General Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan said, “I have no information.”
The invitation to the 12 High Court judges came after allegations surfaced that they acted as accomplices to the former Awami League-led government. The meeting, organized at the Chief Justice’s request, altered the day’s previous agenda. Sources indicate that the judges face numerous allegations of corruption and misconduct linked to their ties with the former administration.
Various organizations have long demanded the removal of judges perceived to have political bias, particularly those appointed during the Awami League's tenure. General lawyers have echoed these demands, calling for the resignation of the judges.
Tensions escalated earlier today when thousands of students from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered outside the High Court, demanding the resignation of what they called “fascist” judges linked to the Awami League. By 12:30 pm, the protest had drawn large crowds, with demonstrators chanting and creating a charged atmosphere. The protest march started at Dhaka University’s Raju sculpture and culminated at the High Court.
The student protesters issued a 2 pm ultimatum, demanding the resignation of the "politically affiliated and corrupt" judges. In a related development, BNP-supporting lawyers held a separate rally at the Supreme Court, also calling for the resignation of the accused judges.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
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