Caretaker govt system restored

The High Court (HC) has delivered the verdict, terming some provisions of the 15th amendment to the constitution, including cancellation of the caretaker government system and introduction of several changes, as illegal.

As a result of this verdict, parliament election under a partisan government is abolished and the caretaker government system is restored.

A High Court division bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury delivered the verdict around 11:45 am on Tuesday (December 17).

In its observation, the High Court said the fundamental structure of the constitution was destroyed through the 15th amendment.

Earlier on December 5, the court set December 17 for pronouncing judgment on the rule it issued questioning the legality of the 15th amendment to the constitution.

The High Court on August 19 issued the rule asking why the 15th amendment of the constitution shall not be declared illegal. The court passed the order after holding hearing on a petition filed by five eminent citizens, including Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) Secretary Bodiul Alam Majumder. Later Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, Gano Forum and others became party in the case as interveners.

Apart from this, valiant Freedom Fighter Md Mofazzal Hossain filed the other writ petition in this regard.

On June 30, 2011, the 15th Amendment to the Constitution of Bangladesh was made during the then Awami League government.

In this amendment, the caretaker government system was abolished and the number of seats reserved for women in the National Parliament was raised from 45 to 50.