Justice Khurshid removed from office

Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has been removed from office at the recommendation by the Supreme Judicial Council.

The President issued the removal order on Wednesday, November 5, under Clause (6) of Article 96 of the Constitution, a provision recently reinstated by the government. 

The decision follows a recommendation by the Supreme Judicial Council, which found him unfit to continue in judicial office.

A notification from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs stated that the Supreme Judicial Council, after conducting an inquiry, determined that Justice Sarkar was “unfit to properly perform the functions of his office.” 

Consequently, the President exercised his constitutional authority to remove the judge.

The Supreme Judicial Council, chaired by the Chief Justice, had previously placed Justice Sarkar on compulsory leave and summoned him to respond to allegations of misconduct and irregularities. 

The final hearing in the matter was held on September 2.

This marks a rare instance of judicial removal in Bangladesh’s history and underscores the reactivated role of the Supreme Judicial Council in upholding judicial accountability.