Dhaka: Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman today emphasized the need for Bangladesh to return to the caretaker government (CG) system in order to ensure sustainable democracy, stating that the verdict which annulled the 13th amendment has compromised the fundamental structure of the nation’s constitution.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Attorney General expressed his concerns while speaking to reporters. He asserted that the annulment of the 13th amendment had negatively impacted the electoral process, democracy, voting rights, rule of law, and other constitutional institutions. He described the verdict as a “cancer” that needs to be eradicated.
The Attorney General’s comments came as the apex court granted a leave earlier in the day for a hearing on an appeal against its judgment, which abolished the poll-time non-party caretaker government system. He highlighted that during the appeal hearing scheduled for October 21, their request would be to overturn the verdict that annulled the 13th amendment, thus reopening democratic avenues for the citizens of Bangladesh.
Additionally, the Attorney General mentioned his intention to address the alleged misconduct of the then Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque, whose actions in writing and signing the verdict might constitute an offence under Section 219 of the Penal Code.
The order for the hearing was passed by the Appellate Division full-bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, following a session on review petitions seeking the restoration of the 13th amendment and the reinstatement of the caretaker government system. Senior advocates Zainul Abedin, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal, and Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir represented the pleas, while Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman represented the state.