Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Honourable Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, currently serving as a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of Bangladesh. This historic appointment was formalised through a notification signed yesterday, Tuesday, by Liakat Ali Molla, Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
The presidential decree cites Article 95(1) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, under which the President has the authority to appoint the Chief Justice. The notification specifies that the appointment will take effect from the date Justice Chowdhury takes the official oath of office.
Education and Early Career :
Justice Chowdhury completed his LLB (Honours) and LLM degrees at Dhaka University, before pursuing an LLM in International Law in the United Kingdom. His legal career began on 3 March 1985, when he enrolled as an advocate of the District Courts. He later became an advocate of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on 17 May 1997.
He was elevated to Additional Judge of the High Court Division on 27 August 2003, and subsequently confirmed as a Judge of the High Court Division on 27 August 2005. On 13 August 2024, he joined the Appellate Division as a judge.
Professional Engagements and International Exposure :
Justice Chowdhury has represented Bangladesh at numerous international forums, seminars, training programmes, and courses. His international engagements include:
| Year | Country / City | Event Type |
| 1988 | Brussels, Belgium | International Conference |
| 1990 | Prince Edward University, Canada | Seminar |
| 2000, 2002, 2006 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Workshops & Seminars |
| 2001 | Quebec, Canada | Judicial Training Programme |
| 2007 | Singapore | Judicial Seminar |
| 2012 | Nepal | International Judicial Training Course |
These experiences have equipped him with a broad understanding of comparative and international law, further strengthening his credentials for leading the Supreme Court.
Significance of Appointment :
Legal experts have noted that Justice Chowdhury’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the judiciary of Bangladesh, given his extensive experience in both the High Court and Appellate Division. His leadership is expected to influence judicial reforms, case management efficiency, and international legal collaboration in the coming years.
With this appointment, Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury will now assume the highest judicial office in Bangladesh, marking a distinguished chapter in his decades-long service to the country’s legal system.
This version has been enriched with context, formal phrasing, and international relevance, structured for clarity and readability in professional British English.