Bangladesh Supreme Court Upholds Judicial Authority

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has reaffirmed that judges can only be removed through the Supreme Judicial Council, declaring the 16th Amendment unconstitutional. This landmark ruling by a six-member bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, reinstates the authority of the Supreme Judicial Council to investigate allegations against judges, ensuring judicial independence. The 16th Amendment, passed in 2014, had attempted to transfer this power to Parliament but faced legal challenges, ultimately leading to its invalidation by the court. The decision resolves ongoing complications related to judicial removals that arose during the previous government. This ruling reinforces the original constitutional provisions and maintains that the judiciary's oversight remains free from political influence.