Dhaka: Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has hailed the Supreme Court’s historic decision to restore the non-party caretaker government system as a significant step towards ensuring democratic governance in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists on the court premises after the judgment, Asaduzzaman emphasized that the verdict marks the beginning of what he described as a “journey on democratic highway” for the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Attorney General stated that the decision paves the way for the people of Bangladesh to cast their votes freely in future elections. He highlighted that the reinstatement of the caretaker government system will prevent incidents of ballot stuffing before elections and ensure that only eligible voters participate in the electoral process. Asaduzzaman expressed confidence that this development signifies a move towards genuine democratic practices in the country.
During the court proceedings, Asaduzzaman alleged that former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque and his colleagues had committed offences under Section 219 of the Penal Code while drafting the previous judgment that abolished the caretaker government system. He expressed satisfaction that the court has corrected this error, stating that the verdict aligns with the people’s aspirations for free, fair, and transparent elections.
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court reinstated the caretaker government system earlier in the day, allowing several civil appeals related to the issue. The caretaker government provision will apply to future elections, following the court’s decision. On August 27, 2025, the Appellate Division granted leave to appeal against the 2011 judgment that scrapped the non-party caretaker government system, which was introduced through the 13th Amendment to the constitution in 1996.
The order came after the court heard multiple review petitions seeking the reinstatement of the 13th Amendment and the revival of the caretaker system. Four review petitions were filed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, five prominent citizens including SUJAN Secretary Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, and another individual petitioner. All petitions were heard together.
Previously, on December 17, 2024, the High Court had declared the abolition of the caretaker government system unconstitutional.