Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court has been accused of violating the code of conduct for judges, for his participation in a political exchange meeting ahead of the by-election to Gaibandha-5 constituency.
Six pro-BNP leaders of the executive committee of the Supreme Court Lawyers Association made the complaint to the chief justice on Thursday.
The complaint said: “From various information obtained through media outlets, social media and video it has been known that Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar was present at a meeting of the Awami League-nominated candidate for contesting the upcoming by-polls to Gaibandha-5 constituency.”
“By attending a discussion meeting of a political party, he violated the code of conduct set by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for fair judgement by not being part of any political party,” the complaint added.
Regarding this matter, the judge’s wife, Fulchhari Upazila Awami League General Secretary Farzana Rabbi Bubly, said: “I was a candidate for the Gaibandha-5 by-election. However, at the decision of the party, I withdrew my candidacy.”
“That is why on September 15, followers of my father, the late Fazle Rabbi Mia, leaders and activists of various levels and relatives came to my house. After a discussion on my leaving the by-election, we held a prayer for my late father,” she added.
Farzana mentioned that Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar was her husband, so he had to be present there.
“The Awami League-nominated candidate for the Gaibandha-5 by-polls, Mahmud Hasan Ripon, came to our house following the prayer session. We only had some polite conversation at that time,” she added.
Gaibandha-5 constituency fell vacant with the death of Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, who died on July 23.
The by-election to Gaibandha-5 constituency will be held on October 12.