Appellate Division upholds validity of interim government’s oath

The Appellate Division has upheld the High Court verdict declaring the oath and formation process of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as lawful.

A seven-member bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed dismissed the leave-to-appeal petition on Thursday (December 4), thereby affirming the legitimacy of the interim administration.

With the dismissal of the appeal challenging the High Court’s ruling, the interim government’s oath now stands validated by the country’s highest court.

Earlier, after concluding Wednesday’s hearing, the court fixed Thursday for the order. Advocate Mohsin Rashid argued for the petitioner, while Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman and Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek R. Haque appeared for the state. Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol and Advocate Shishir Monir presented arguments as interveners.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Advocate Shishir Monir argued that public confidence is the foundation of legitimacy, and once accepted by the people, a government’s legitimacy is established.

Earlier, on November 12, the state accused Advocate Mohsin Rashid of contempt for making disparaging remarks about the court, following which the Appellate Division sought his explanation.

Advocate Mohsin Rashid filed the original petition last December challenging the legality of the interim government’s oath. The High Court rejected the petition, stating that the government enjoyed public acceptance and therefore its legitimacy could not be questioned. His subsequent appeal for leave has now been dismissed by the Appellate Division.