BD president orders probe against 12 high court judges

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has directed an investigation into the allegations of misconduct and collusion with Hasina Wajid government against several High Court judges.

This was announced by the Supreme Court on Monday. The Supreme Judicial Council of Bangladesh will hold an inquiry against 12 judges. They include Justice Naima Haider, Justice Sheikh Hasan Arif, Justice Ashish Ranjan Das, Justice Mohammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar, Justice SM Moniruzzaman, Justice Ataur Rahman Khan, Justice Shahid Noor Uddin, Justice Muhammad Akhtaruzzaman, Justice Muhammad Aminul Islam, Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolon, Justice Khizir Hayat and Justice Khondokar Diliruzzaman.

The allegations regarding misconduct and collusion with the government were raised against the judges before August 5, when former Prime Minister of Awami League Sheikh Hasina was still in power. Earlier, on October 16, due to allegations of corruption and working in favour of the Awami League-led government, Chief Justice Supreme Court Syed Refaat Ahmed sent the 12 judges on leave. They were relieved of their duties on the High Court bench. The Supreme Judicial Council has announced that the investigation process will begin next week. The investigation report with recommendations will be sent to the President, under the procedure, it said.