High Court Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman resigns amid a Supreme Judicial Council probe into alleged misconduct.
Bangladesh Judge Resigns Under Investigation
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman, a Bangladesh High Court judge, resigned while under investigation by the Supreme Judicial Council for alleged irregularities. The resignation was submitted to the President via Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed in Dhaka, prompted by a probe into his conduct. According to the Supreme Court notification, no specific reasons were disclosed.
Why It Matters
The Bangladesh judge resigns amid an inquiry reflects ongoing efforts to reform the judiciary, a critical issue in South Asia, where judicial independence is vital for democratic stability. This development could influence public trust in Bangladesh’s legal system and resonate in regional discussions on judicial accountability.
Details of the Resignation
Supreme Judicial Council Probe
Justice Akhtaruzzaman was one of 12 High Court judges barred from judicial duties on Thursday, October 16, 2024, following allegations of corruption and ties to the former Awami League government. The Supreme Judicial Council, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, initiated inquiries into these judges after mass protests demanded the removal of “pro-Awami League fascist judges.” On Sunday, August 31, 2025, Akhtaruzzaman appeared before the council to explain the allegations, but resigned shortly after. According to Jago News, the resignation letter was forwarded to the President without detailed public disclosure.
Context of Judicial Reforms
The investigation stems from public unrest and student-led protests on October 16, 2024, at the Supreme Court premises in Dhaka. Demonstrators, primarily from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, accused the judges of bias and corruption during the Awami League’s 15-year rule. The council’s probe, reactivated on October 20, 2024, after a constitutional review, has led to significant judicial changes. Of the 12 judges initially suspended, two retired, two were removed, one resigned earlier, and two were not confirmed as permanent judges.
Other Affected Judges
The other judges barred alongside Akhtaruzzaman included Justices Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Naima Haider, Sheikh Hassan Arif, Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar, Ashish Ranjan Das, Khizir Hayat, SM Maniruzzaman, Khandaker Diliruzzaman, Shahed Nuruddin, Md Aminul Islam, and SM Masud Hossain Dolon. Justice Shahed Nuruddin resigned on Thursday, January 30, 2025, citing personal difficulties. Justices Khizir Hayat and Khandaker Diliruzzaman were removed following council recommendations. Justices Ataur and Ashish retired upon reaching the age limit of 67.
Background
Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman, born on January 1, 1966, joined the judicial service in 1993 and was elevated to the High Court Division in 2019. He gained prominence as the trial judge in the Zia Charitable Trust case, convicting former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 2018. His tenure was marred by controversy, including a 2022 bail decision criticised by the Appellate Division. The broader context involves Bangladesh’s judicial overhaul following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, with Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and several Appellate Division judges resigning amid protests.
What’s Next
The Supreme Judicial Council continues to investigate other judges, with a decision pending for Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The outcome of these inquiries could further reshape Bangladesh’s judiciary, impacting public confidence and judicial independence. The case of the Bangladesh judge resigns underscores the ongoing push for accountability in the nation’s courts.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 31st, 2025
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