The president has directed the Supreme Judicial Council to investigate the allegations against Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman of the High Court Division.
The Supreme Court administration disclosed this information on Sunday.
Earlier, on October 16, 2024, following student protests demanding the resignation of judges accused of being “partisan, corrupt, and allies of fascists,” twelve High Court Division judges were initially suspended from judicial duties from October 20. Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman was among them.
The Supreme Court stated: “Previously, in accordance with Article 96 of the constitution, the Supreme Judicial Council reviewed information regarding Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman, which was submitted to the president."
It added: "Based on Article 96(5)(b) of the constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the president has instructed the Supreme Judicial Council to conduct a full investigation into Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman, a judge of the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court.”
Among the twelve judges, two have retired, one has resigned, one was removed, and two have left as their tenure ended. Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman is among the remaining six judges now facing an investigation.
The Supreme Court administration said that the Supreme Judicial Council was formed on November 7, following the reinstatement of the verdict annulling the 16th Amendment, which dealt with the removal of judges.
If allegations arise against any judge, the council reviews and forwards the complaints to the president.
As per the constitution, the council consists of the Chief Justice and two senior judges. Following its formation, the council began investigating the conduct of several judges.
