The High Court (HC) on Thursday fixed December 17 for delivering its verdict on a writ petition filed challenging the legality of the 15th amendment to the constitution, which scrapped the caretaker government system and introduced several changes, including recognizing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation.
The HC bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury fixed the date after concluding a 23-day-long hearing on the matter.
During the hearing, senior advocate Dr Sharif Bhuiyan argued for eminent citizens including Bodiul Alam Majumder, Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik -SHUJAN, before the court, senior Advocate Zainul Abedin, Fida M Kamal and Badruddoza Badal took part in the hearing for BNP, while Advocate Mohammad Shisier Manir argued for Jamaat-e-Islami. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman also took part in the hearing on behalf of the state.
Besides, some others lawyers including Barrister Belayet Hossain were also took part in the long hearing. All of the lawyers sought cancellation of the 15th amendment to the Constitution saying that the amendment was brought illegally.
Earlier on August 19, the then HC bench led by Justice Naima Haider issued the rule asking the respondents to show causes as to why the Constitution (15th amendment) Act, 2011 should not be declared unconstitutional, and why the previous actions taken under this act should not be treated as transactions past and closed.
The HC bench issued the rule following a petition filed by five citizens -- Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of rights organisation Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik, Tofail Ahmed, M Hafizuddin Khan, Md Jobirul Hoque Bhuiyan and Zahrah Rahman -- challenging the legality and constitutionality of the 15th amendment.
They submitted the petition as a public interest litigation to the HC on August 18, stating that following the 15th amendment, the nation saw three consecutive failed elections and it ultimately led to the July 2024 uprising and the fall of the government on August 5, 2024.
