12 accused judges wont be assigned to benches: SC Registrar General

Following a discussion with Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, it has been decided that 12 judges, accused of corruption and collaborating with the Awami League government, will not be assigned to any judicial benches.

Registrar General of the Supreme Court, Dr Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan, confirmed the matter on Wednesday.

This announcement was made in response to the demands of students protesting under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who have been demanding for the removal of judges appointed by the fascist government in the High Court.

Dr Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan mentioned that on Sunday, October 20, when the court reopens, the case regarding the removal of the judges will be presented to the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division.

He noted that the 12 judges have already been sent on leave.

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 SM Moniruzzaman, Khondkar Diliruzzaman, Md Akteruzzaman, Shahed Md Nuruddin, SM 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, reports UNB.

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.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s registrar general said that a delegation from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement met with him.

“We had an extensive discussion. Subsequently, we also spoke with the Chief Justice regarding this matter. There is a process for the resignation or removal of judges, but there is currently no law in our country addressing this issue. The previous government had amended the laws for the removal of judges, but the Supreme Court nullified that amendment. The government has since applied for a review of this decision. On October 20, when the court reopens, we expect a ruling from the Appellate Division under the leadership of the Chief Justice.”

He added that while judges’ resignations are requested, the appointment and removal of judges are done by the President. He emphasized that the Chief Justice has taken appropriate actions regarding the situation.

As a result, the 12 judges will not be able to perform judicial duties, and he anticipates that the Attorney General's office will raise this matter in court on October 20.

In response to Dr Aziz’s statements, Hasanat Abdullah, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, expressed hope for a ruling on the 16th Amendment of the Constitution on Sunday (October 20).

He demanded that the judges resign by that day.

He stated: “We will wait until Sunday afternoon for the ruling. We have protested with determination in the High Court and lower courts 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 in this incident based on video evidence. They must be arrested within 24 hours.”

He further noted that the students of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have given an ultimatum until Sunday for the removal of the 12 fascist judges. If they are not removed by then, 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, a interim government has been formed. We do not wish to see any more fascist governments in this country, and we will not allow fascists to have any place here," Hasnat added further.