Dhaka, Nov 20 (V7N) — In a landmark ruling, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has reinstated the non-partisan caretaker government system, 14 years after it was abolished from the constitution. The restored system will come into effect from the upcoming 14th national election.

A full seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered the verdict on Thursday. The decision follows the conclusion of hearings on November 11, after which the court scheduled today’s date for pronouncing the judgment.

Senior lawyer Zainul Abedin and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal presented arguments on behalf of the BNP, while Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir represented Jamaat-e-Islami. Prominent citizens were represented by senior lawyer Sharif Bhuiyan, and Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman argued for the state. The appeal hearing continued for 10 consecutive working days.

During the hearing, both the appellants and the state emphasized that restoring the caretaker government system was essential for strengthening democracy and resolving longstanding political tensions in Bangladesh. They argued that the abolition of the system had contributed to deepening political crises.

Following the verdict, BNP lawyer Zainul Abedin stated that the ruling would ensure people’s right to vote freely and help safeguard democracy. “Today, we are free from the politics of conflict,” he said, expressing optimism that the decision would pave the way for more participatory elections.

END/SMA/AJ