A fresh petition has been filed seeking judicial scrutiny of the National July Certificate to verify its validity and conformity with the Constitution. The petition also requests a temporary suspension of the certificate’s enforcement until the matter is resolved.
The public interest petition was submitted today, Wednesday, to the Supreme Court by Advocate Yunus Ali Akand. The petition lists the Election Commission, the Speaker of the National Parliament, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, along with other relevant officials, as respondents.
Speaking to the press, legal representatives indicated that a High Court bench, led by Justice Richerpati Razik Al Jalil, may hear the petition next week. Advocate Akand emphasised, “We urge the Supreme Court to deliver a prompt decision to protect public interest. Should the National Certificate contravene the Constitution, it must be annulled immediately.”
This petition follows a series of related legal challenges. On 17 February, a High Court petition was filed contesting the legitimacy of a referendum held on 12 February, while another petition sought to annul the referendum results declared on 13 February. These petitions, lodged by Supreme Court lawyer A B M Ataul Majid Touhid, have brought both the National Certificate and the referendum process under judicial review.
Key Information on the Petition
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Petition Filed By | Advocate Yunus Ali Akand |
| Respondents | Election Commission, Speaker of National Parliament, Secretary of Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs |
| Potential Hearing Date | Next week |
| Court | High Court Bench, led by Justice Richerpati Razik Al Jalil |
| Previous Petitions | Challenge to 12 February referendum validity, petition to annul 13 February results |
| Previous Petition Filed By | A B M Ataul Majid Touhid |
Legal experts stress that preventing the implementation of a National Certificate that conflicts with the Constitution is of paramount importance. They warn that if allowed to remain in force, the certificate could have significant political and administrative ramifications. The swift resolution of this petition is therefore considered vital for safeguarding public interest.
Currently, with the petition seeking suspension of the certificate’s effectiveness and the referendum-related petitions under judicial consideration, the outcome is expected to have a direct impact on both constitutional compliance and the electoral process.
The ongoing legal proceedings are widely regarded as a crucial step towards protecting Bangladesh’s Constitution and ensuring transparency in electoral practices, signalling the judiciary’s proactive role in upholding the rule of law.