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 today. 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. Student movement to lay siege to High Court on Wed 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.

The government is working on enacting a law for appointment of high court judges and it will be landed in Parliament within a few days. Law Minister Anisul Huq made the announcement while replying to opposition Jatiya Party and Gonoforum MPs during discussion on the passage of the 'Bangladesh Supreme Court Judges (Leave, Pension and Privileges) Bill-2023.” During participation on the passage of the Bill, JP and Gonoforum MPs demanded that the government enacts a much-desired law on the appointment of judges at the higher court. Gonoforum MP elected from Sylhet, Mokabbir Khan, said according to the Constitution, the president now appoints judges to the High Court. “In the case of appointment of judges, disqualification is mentioned, but eligibility criteria are not mentioned. In this case, if a specific law is made for the appointment of judges, there will be no opportunity to question the appointment,” he said. JP MP elected from Sunamganj, Pir Fazlur Rahman, said that there was no law on the appointment of an Election Commissioner. “Last year this law was passed, and a new Election Commission was formed based on the law.” Similarly, he said, the appointment of the High Court Judges was also supposed to be enacted. But it hasn't happened yet. “In many cases, appointments are made on political consideration,” he added. Fakhrul Imam, another JP MP elected from Mymensingh, also made the same demand. Later, Law Minister Anisul Haq said he can assure that the government is working to enact a law on the appointment of judges. “I will be able to place the Bill in this regard within a few days,” he also said. The HC judges are now being appointed as per article 95(2) of the Constitution. The Article says the candidate must be a citizen of Bangladesh and have the experience of practising as a Supreme Court advocate for at least 10 years; or have held judicial office in Bangladesh for at least 10 years; or have such qualifications as may be prescribed by law for appointment as a judge of the High Court. Different quarters have long been demanding a guideline to bring transparency and competitiveness in the recruitment process.  

As many as nine new judges have taken the oath of office to the High Court, raising its working strength to 100 permanent judges. Chief Justice of Bangladesh Syed Mahmud Hossain administered the oath of office to the nine judges, who previously served as additional justices, at the Judges’ Lounge of the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning. Family members of the newly appointed permanent judges were present at the oath-taking ceremony. Read:18 High Court judges get permanent seats On Monday, President Abdul Hamid appointed the judges to the HC Division of the Supreme Court. The new HC judges are justices Md Mahbub-ul Islam, Shahed Nuruddin, Md Zakir Hossain, Md Akhtaruzzaman,  Mahmud Hasan Talukder, Kazi Ebadat Hossain, KM Zahid Sarwar Kajal, AKM Zahirul Haque and Kazi Zinat Haque