EC reinstates 85 election officers after 18 years

The Election Commission (EC) has officially reinstated 85 Upazila and Thana Election Officers who were dismissed from service 18 years ago. A gazette notification was issued by the EC on Monday confirming the reinstatement.

Earlier the same day, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court released its full verdict, directing that the officers be returned to their positions and receive all previously held benefits and entitlements.

In its observations, the Appellate Division remarked that the appeal against the EC's decision constituted an unconstitutional interference in the Commission’s independent and sovereign authority.

The 85 officers in question were originally appointed during the tenure of the BNP-Jamaat coalition government. However, on September 3, 2007, during the caretaker government’s rule, they were dismissed on allegations of political recruitment.

Following years of legal proceedings, the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered the reinstatement verdict on February 25 this year, after hearing appeals and four separate review petitions challenging its previous ruling from September 1, 2022.