The arrest of the 81-year-old judge has raised eyebrows, sparking intense interest across the nation.
Haque, who served as Bangladesh’s 19th chief justice from 2010 to 2011, is no stranger to high-profile rulings. He presided over the landmark 2011 verdict that declared Bangladesh’s nonpartisan caretaker government system unconstitutional, a decision that had far-reaching consequences in the country’s political landscape.
The former chief justice was picked up from his residence in Dhanmondi by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman confirmed that Haque is facing three cases, with legal procedures currently underway. The authorities are expected to formally arrest him in at least one case before bringing him before a court.
The cases against Haque were filed shortly after the violent August 2024 street movement led by Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. At the time, Haque was serving as the Chairman of the Law Commission, a position he resigned from just days after the political upheaval.
The charges against Haque are serious. The first case, filed in Dhaka, accuses him of fraud and forgery, claiming that he altered a judgment related to the annulment of the 13th constitutional amendment concerning the caretaker government. Similar cases followed, with one filed in Narayanganj, accusing him of the same charges. A third case was lodged in Dhaka, involving allegations of corrupt practices, illegal judgments, and fraudulent actions.
Haque’s role in the controversial 2011 ruling, which declared the caretaker system “illegal” and contrary to the constitution, is now under intense scrutiny. The verdict, passed by a narrow margin, with three judges dissenting, has become one of the most contentious decisions in Bangladesh’s legal history.
The arrest of Haque has brought back memories of the controversial ruling that led to the demise of the caretaker government system. With three cases now stacked against him, Haque’s future seems uncertain. Legal experts are closely watching how this legal drama unfolds, particularly considering his prominent position in Bangladesh s judiciary. This case could potentially set a significant precedent for the treatment of high-ranking judicial figures involved in politically sensitive matters.
