The High Court is set to deliver its verdict today (December 17) regarding the validity of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished the caretaker government system.

The verdict will be pronounced by the bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury, following the conclusion of hearings earlier this month. 

On December 4, the court wrapped up hearings on two writ petitions that challenged the legitimacy of the 15th Amendment.

Several political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have been involved in these petitions, most of whom are pushing for the reinstatement of the caretaker government system.

The 15th amendment, passed by the ruling Awami League on June 30, 2011, eliminated the caretaker government provision. Additionally, it introduced a clause imposing the death penalty for the illegal seizure of state power, classifying such acts as treason.

The amendment also revised the election timeline, requiring parliamentary elections to take place within 90 days after the end of a parliamentary term. Previously, elections were held in the 90 days preceding the term's conclusion.

In total, the 15th Amendment brought about 55 significant and minor changes to the Constitution

BDST: 1035 HRS, DEC 17, 2024
MN/SMS