The recently issued “Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance, 2025” has come under sharp criticism from AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, the president of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association. Khokon labeled the ordinance “discriminatory,” expressing disappointment with its provisions, particularly regarding the lack of representation for lawyers in the proposed selection process.
On Thursday, Khokon voiced his concerns, emphasizing that the newly introduced ordinance undermines the role of the Bar Association in the judicial appointment process. The ordinance aims to create a permanent “Supreme Judicial Appointment Council” to appoint top court judges. This independent body would be chaired by the Chief Justice and consist of seven members, including senior judges from both the Appellate and High Court Divisions, one retired Appellate Division judge, the Attorney General, and a legal expert nominated by the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court’s registrar general will serve as the secretary of the council.
However, the absence of any representation from lawyers has sparked controversy. Khokon stated, “This council has spots for lower court judges but does not include any lawyer representatives. This is highly disappointing, and I demand an amendment to this ordinance.”
The new ordinance seeks to shift the judicial appointment process away from direct executive control and introduce a more independent approach. However, critics argue that it fails to adequately balance the involvement of the legal community in the selection of judges.
Khokon’s statement has ignited a debate about the potential implications of the ordinance for the independence of the judiciary and the role of the legal profession in the country’s highest court. The Bar Association’s demand for amendments could lead to further discussions and revisions of the ordinance in the coming weeks.
