In a significant development for Bangladesh’s judiciary, Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed was sworn in as the 25th Chief Justice of Bangladesh today, following a series of dramatic resignations that have rocked the nation’s highest court. The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban, was presided over by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at approximately 12:45 pm, marking the official commencement of Justice Ahmed’s tenure as the head of the Supreme Court.
The ceremony, conducted by Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain, was attended by key figures including Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and other prominent advisers to the interim government, alongside distinguished guests from various sectors. The appointment of Justice Ahmed to the position of Chief Justice comes in the wake of the sudden resignation of his predecessor, Obaidul Hassan, amidst growing public pressure and calls for judicial reform.
Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, who has served as the senior-most judge of the High Court Division, was initially appointed to the Appellate Division before being elevated to the role of Chief Justice.
The abrupt resignation of former Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan followed a student-led protest that demanded his immediate departure, along with that of the Appellate Division judges. The protest, which culminated in an ultimatum set for 1:00 pm yesterday, left CJ Hassan with little choice but to vacate his position. This decisive action by the students reflects the growing discontent with the judiciary’s perceived alignment with political powers, sparking a broader movement for judicial independence and reform.
Following CJ Hassan’s departure, five additional judges from the Appellate Division—Justice M Enayetur Rahim, Justice Md Abu Zafor Siddique, Justice Jahangir Hossain Selim, Justice Md Shahinur Islam, and Justice Kashefa Hussain—also tendered their resignations. These resignations have further underscored the urgency for change within the judicial system, as public trust continues to erode.
Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, born on December 28, 1958, brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for integrity. He has served the judiciary with distinction, first as a judge of the High Court Division, where he was appointed in 2003, and then as a permanent judge in 2005. His elevation to the Appellate Division, and now to the position of Chief Justice, is seen as a move that could steer the judiciary towards greater independence and restore confidence in the legal system.
As Chief Justice, Syed Refaat Ahmed will face the challenging task of leading the Supreme Court through a period of significant transition. With calls for reform resonating throughout the country, his leadership will be critical in shaping the future of Bangladesh’s judiciary, ensuring that it remains impartial, fair, and resistant to external pressures.
The coming weeks and months will be pivotal as Justice Ahmed settles into his new role. The nation will be watching closely, hopeful that this change at the top will herald a new era of judicial integrity and independence in Bangladesh.
Photo: Collected
