Dhaka: Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman stated at a High Court hearing today that the 15th amendment, which abolished the caretaker government system, was a direct blow to the constitution. The chief state counsel made these comments while participating in a hearing on a rule issued by the High Court, challenging the legality of the 15th amendment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a writ was filed by five prominent citizens, including Bodiul Alam Majumder, challenging the validity of the 15th amendment in the public’s interest. Following the hearing of the writ, the High Court issued the rule. Several individuals have since filed applications as interveners, with some supporting and others opposing the plea. The attorney general expressed a desire for the rule not to be scrapped while speaking to newsmen in his chamber.
The attorney general argued that democracy in Bangladesh has been undermined, fascism perpetuated, and the constitution’s supremacy violated by removing the caretaker government syst
em through the 15th amendment. He further mentioned that the rule of law and judicial independence have been compromised. The explanations were presented in court, asserting that the amendment amounted to fraud over the constitution and stripped away people’s rights.
The High Court issued the rule on August 19, questioning the legality of the 15th amendment to the constitution. The amendment, made on June 30, 2011, during the Awami League-led government, eliminated the caretaker government system and increased the number of seats reserved for women in the National Parliament from 45 to 50.