In a significant move that underscores the ongoing evolution of Bangladesh’s judiciary, four new justices were sworn into the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court yesterday morning. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, who recently assumed his position, administered the oath at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court premises at 10:30 a.m. The newly appointed justices are Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, Justice Syed Md Ziaul Karim, Justice Md Rezaul Haque, and Justice SM Emdadul Hoque.
The oath-taking ceremony was attended by several high-profile figures, including Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam, the senior-most judge of the Appellate Division, judges of the High Court Division, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, and Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon. This event marks a critical moment in the judiciary as the Appellate Division, now comprising six judges, is tasked with guiding the nation’s legal landscape during a time of significant judicial and political challenges.
Newly Appointed Justices
- Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury: Born from a legacy of legal service, Justice Chowdhury has had a distinguished career marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice. He was appointed as an additional judge of the High Court Division on August 27, 2003, during the presidency of Iajuddin Ahmed under the administration of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. His extensive experience as an advocate at the Supreme Court prepared him for this significant role in the nation’s highest court. With his appointment to the Appellate Division on August 13, 2024, Justice Chowdhury is now poised to influence the judiciary until his mandatory retirement on May 17, 2028.
- Justice Syed Md Ziaul Karim: With a career rooted in a deep understanding of the law, Justice Karim has served with distinction since his appointment as an additional judge of the High Court Division on August 27, 2003. His legal acumen and dedication to the rule of law have earned him this elevation to the Appellate Division on August 13, 2024. He is set to serve until his mandatory retirement on December 11, 2024. His judicial philosophy, shaped by his tenure as an advocate at the Supreme Court, will now guide the highest echelons of Bangladesh’s legal system.
- Justice Md Rezaul Haque: Justice Haque’s journey to the Appellate Division has been characterized by his steadfast commitment to justice. Appointed as an additional judge of the High Court Division on August 27, 2003, during a time of significant political transition, he has navigated the complexities of the legal system with integrity. His elevation on August 13, 2024, marks the next step in a career that will continue until his mandatory retirement on April 23, 2027. His background as an advocate at the Supreme Court provides a solid foundation for his new role in shaping the nation’s judicial future.
- Justice SM Emdadul Hoque: Justice Hoque’s legal career, marked by diligence and a keen understanding of the law, began with his appointment as an additional judge of the High Court Division on August 27, 2003. His recent elevation to the Appellate Division on August 13, 2024, reflects his significant contributions to the judiciary. He is expected to continue his service until his mandatory retirement on November 6, 2030. His extensive experience as an advocate at the Supreme Court will be instrumental as he assumes his new responsibilities in the highest court of the land.
These appointments come at a crucial time for Bangladesh’s judiciary, which has been undergoing a period of considerable change and scrutiny. The recent resignations of several justices, coupled with the appointment of Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, have highlighted the dynamic nature of the nation’s legal landscape. The new justices, with their wealth of experience and commitment to justice, are expected to play a pivotal role in upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary during this transformative period.
As the Appellate Division moves forward with its new composition, the eyes of the nation will be on these six justices to see how they navigate the challenges ahead and contribute to the ongoing development of Bangladesh’s legal framework.
