SC Hearing On Caretaker Government Appeal Adjourned Till Nov 11

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) today adjourned until November 11 the hearing of an appeal challenging its earlier verdict that abolished the non-party caretaker government system for conducting national elections.

“Heard in part and adjourned to 11.11.2025,” stated the full bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, after the ninth day of proceedings.

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman continued his arguments before the apex court, assisted by Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek R Haque. The duo began their submissions on November 5.

Earlier, Senior Advocates Zainul Abedin and Ruhul Quddus Kazal argued before the court on November 4 and 5, with Abedin having initiated his submissions on October 29.

Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir represented Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on October 28, while Advocate Sharif Bhuiyan was the first to present arguments—on behalf of five distinguished citizens—on October 21 and 22. Barrister Ehsan Abdullah Siddiq also addressed the court as an intervener on October 23.

On August 27, 2025, the Appellate Division granted leave to appeal against its 2011 judgment that declared the 13th Amendment, which introduced the caretaker government system, unconstitutional.

This order followed hearings on several review petitions seeking reinstatement of the 13th Amendment and revival of the caretaker system.

A total of four review petitions were filed—by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, five prominent citizens including SUJAN Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, and one individual petitioner—all of which are being heard jointly.

Earlier, on December 17, 2024, the High Court had ruled that abolishing the caretaker government system was unconstitutional.

Following that verdict, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman told reporters that the decision effectively reinstated the caretaker provision as part of the Constitution.