The High Court declared the Ministry of Commerce’s decision to appoint an administrator for the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (Haab) illegal. 

The court simultaneously reinstated Haab’s previous executive committee, directing them to resume their duties.

The High Court bench, led by Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Shikder Md Mahmudur Razi, delivered the verdict, confirming the validity of the rule issued in response to the writ.

Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir represented the previous committee in court, while Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal appeared for the opposing side.

Earlier on October 15, the Ministry of Commerce issued an office order appointing Joint Secretary Mohammad Daudul Islam as the administrator for Haab, citing Section 17 of the Trade Organization Act, 2022. 

The decision followed a petition from owners of anti-discriminatory Hajj agencies, seeking a new leadership at Haab.

The Ministry's order dissolved the existing executive committee and tasked the administrator with organizing fair elections within 120 days. 

The decision was seen as an effort to address grievances among certain factions of Hajj agency owners, prompting strong protests from Haab.

Later, on October 16, Haab held a press conference to contest the appointment. In response, Haab filed a writ petition with the High Court, which initially suspended the order. 

However, the anti-discriminatory Hajj agency owners appealed to the Appellate Division, leading to a suspension of the High Court's order.

After a thorough examination, the High Court ruled in favor of Haab’s previous committee, declaring the administrator's appointment illegal and directing the reinstatement of the previous leadership.

BDST: 1645 HRS, DEC 15, 2024
MN/SMS