Supreme Court Justice of the High Court Division, Mamnun Rahman, has tendered his resignation citing personal reasons. Absent from judicial duties for over a year, Justice Rahman formally submitted his resignation to the President on Monday, 2 February. The resignation letter was sent directly from Canada to both the Registrar General of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Law via email.
Reports indicate that Justice Rahman had been absent from his official post without leave for more than a year. The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has officially informed the President of his resignation through a formal report. This follows a series of disciplinary actions in which three High Court judges were removed from office following SJC investigations.
The current wave of resignations and suspensions traces back to 5 August 2024, when a shift in the country’s political landscape prompted the High Court Division to place 12 judges on leave. Of these, nine judges are no longer serving. While some were compulsorily retired following SJC investigations, others resigned voluntarily, and several opted for retirement. Three judges remain technically in office but are not actively engaged in bench duties.
Additionally, this month, Justice M. R. Hasan was placed on leave following formal allegations. At present, a total of 13 judges of the High Court Division are on leave. Beyond these, two judges remain voluntarily absent from duty, including the recently resigned Justice Mamnun Rahman.
The table below summarises the current status of High Court judges:
| Division | Total Judges | Active on Bench | On Leave/Retired | Voluntarily Absent | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Court | 12 | 3 | 9 | 2 | Complex situation involving resignations, leave, and retirement |
| Currently on Leave | – | – | 13 | – | Includes disciplinary and other types of leave |
| Remaining Active | – | 3 | – | – | Judges not engaged in bench work |
The prolonged absence and resignation of High Court judges have disrupted judicial proceedings and highlight a period of significant instability within the Supreme Court. The ongoing pattern of resignations and leaves signals challenges to the effective functioning of the country’s highest courts.
Justice Rahman’s resignation has intensified calls for further investigation and restructuring within the High Court Division. Authorities, including the Supreme Judicial Council and the President, are expected to take measures aimed at restoring transparency, stability, and efficiency in judicial operations in the near future.