HC rejects writ seeking probe into Yunus-led interim government’s 18-month tenure
The High Court on Thursday summarily rejected a writ petition seeking an investigation into the activities of the former interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus during its 18-month tenure, ruling that the petition lacked legal standing and appeared politically motivated.
The HC bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar dismissed the petition after hearing arguments from both sides.
The writ, filed on May 17 by Supreme Court lawyer Mohsin Rashid, sought the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate the interim administration’s activities, including allegations relating to governance, the economy, healthcare, constitutional issues, and agreements signed during the government’s tenure.
Senior lawyer MK Rahman, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the country experienced “anarchic conditions” in several sectors during the 18 months under the interim administration.
He told the court that an inquiry commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act was necessary to prevent future elected governments from being removed from office unconstitutionally.
Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal opposed the petition, arguing that the petitioner was not an “aggrieved party” under the law and therefore lacked the legal standing required to file such a writ.
He also told the court that the authority to form an inquiry commission rests solely with the government under existing law.
According to the attorney general, the court observed that Bangladesh now has a democratically elected government and a “functional and vibrant” parliament where such issues can be discussed politically rather than through judicial intervention.
The ruling comes months after the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division upheld the legality of the interim government’s formation and oath-taking process following the political transition of August 2024.
The Yunus-led interim administration assumed office on August 8, 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government amid a mass uprising. It remained in power for 18 months before stepping down after the February 2026 national election that brought a new elected government to office.
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