Appellate Division may clarify caretaker govt implementation after verdict: Attorney General

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman on Wednesday said the Appellate Division may issue new observations on how a caretaker government could be implemented if the court reinstates the system in its verdict.

Speaking during the second day of hearings on review petitions challenging the 2011 verdict that abolished the election-time caretaker government, the Attorney General noted that the court holds the authority to guide the process post-ruling.

"If the Appellate Division wants, it may provide observations on how the caretaker government would function after the judgment," he told the bench.

He also highlighted what he described as a period of significant political and judicial regression over the past 15 years.

"The people have been subjected to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political repression. Protective systems have been dismantled, and justice denied. This public dissatisfaction ultimately led to the fall of the Awami League. It was from the streets that decisions were made about who would become the Chief Justice and who would lead the government," he said.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, presiding over the hearing, said the Appellate Division is not seeking a temporary solution by restoring the caretaker government but wants a long-term, effective framework that ensures credible elections and strengthens democracy.

"The court wants an arrangement that will prevent repeated disruption and have a far-reaching impact on democratic governance," he stated.

At one point in the hearing, the Chief Justice asked when the caretaker government would take effect if reinstated. In response, BNP lawyer Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol said he could not answer the question as a legal representative.

The Attorney General later returned to address the bench, saying, "We will elaborate on all relevant issues during the course of the hearing."

The review hearing, based on four petitions filed by political parties and individuals, concluded its second day on Wednesday. The Appellate Division set the next hearing date for October 21.