Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury has been officially sworn in as the 26th Chief Justice of Bangladesh, marking a significant transition in the country’s judiciary.
The oath-taking ceremony took place today, Sunday, at 10:35 a.m. at Bangabhaban, the presidential palace, where President Md. Shahabuddin administered the oath. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The ceremony was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, ensuring nationwide viewership.
This appointment follows the issuance of a government notification on 23 December, officially designating Justice Chowdhury as Chief Justice under the authority of Article 95(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh. His appointment is effective from the date of oath-taking.
The outgoing Chief Justice, Syed Refaat Ahmed, retired yesterday, Saturday, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 67 years, concluding his tenure in the Supreme Court.
Justice Chowdhury brings to the office decades of extensive legal experience. His legal career began in 1985 when he joined the District Judge Court, followed by his registration as a lawyer in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court in 1987. On 27 August 2003, he was appointed an Additional Judge of the High Court Division, and two years later, he became a permanent judge. On 12 August 2024, he was elevated to the Appellate Division.
A distinguished scholar, Justice Chowdhury earned both his LLB (Honours) and LLM degrees from the University of Dhaka. He further advanced his legal expertise by obtaining a postgraduate degree in International Law from the United Kingdom.
Career Milestones of Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1985 | Began legal practice at District Judge Court |
| 1987 | Enrolled as lawyer in Supreme Court, High Court Division |
| 2003 (27 Aug) | Appointed Additional Judge, High Court Division |
| 2005 | Appointed Permanent Judge, High Court Division |
| 2024 (12 Aug) | Elevated to Judge, Appellate Division |
| 2025 (28 Dec) | Sworn in as 26th Chief Justice of Bangladesh |
Justice Chowdhury’s appointment is widely regarded as a continuation of the judiciary’s commitment to independence, experience, and legal excellence. His tenure as Chief Justice is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of Bangladesh for the coming years.