A. B. M. Khairul Haque
A. B. M. Khairul Haque | |
|---|---|
| 19th Chief Justice of Bangladesh | |
| In office 1 October 2010 – 17 May 2011 | |
| Appointed by | Zillur Rahman |
| President | Zillur Rahman |
| Prime Minister | Sheikh Hasina |
| Preceded by | Mohammad Fazlul Karim |
| Succeeded by | Md. Muzammel Hossain |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 May 1944 |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Alma mater | University of Dhaka |
| Profession | Former Chairman of Law Commission |
A. B. M. Khairul Haque (born 18 May 1944)[1] is a Bangladeshi jurist,[2] who served as the 19th Chief Justice of Bangladesh and the current chief of Bangladesh Law Commission.[3]
He's known for controversial rulings that shaped Bangladesh's political landscape, including the verdict against the Caretaker Government system.
Career
In June 2008, Justice Khairul Haque and Justice Md Abu Tariq held hearings on suo moto contempt rule against Ekramul Huq and other journalists after a magazine published a report on a High Court judge whitening black money.[4] Justice Khairul Haque and Justice Abu Tariq declared Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2008 illegal due to provision allowing "constructive criticism" of judgement.[5]
Khairul Haque delivered the verdict which declared the Caretaker Government illegal and unconstitutional.[6]
He was made Chairman of Law Commission on 23 June 2013 for a term of three years.[7] He called for trial of Pakistani soldiers for war crimes committed during Bangladesh Liberation War.[8]
On 24 July 2025, Haque was arrested in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.[9] He was accused in the murder case of Abdul Kaiyum, an activist of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party affiliate Jubo Dal.[10] Kaiyum died in protests led by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 18 July 2024.[10] Journalist David Bergman criticized his arrest saying "To use a judicial decision as a pretext for a criminal case—let alone a murder charge to which he has no connection—is also a direct assault on the principle of judicial independence and the rule of law,".[10] Bergman believed Haque was targeted for his 2011 decision that abolished the caretaker government.[10]
Leading Judgments
- Abdul Mannan Khan v Government of Bangladesh (declaring caretaker government unconstitutional)
- Siddiq Ahmed v Bangladesh
- Bangladesh Italian Marble Works v Government of Bangladesh
References
- ^ "Law Commission". lc.gov.bd. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- ^ "BNP leader Moudud Ahmed accuses former chief justice Khairul Haque of betraying country". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- ^ "Law Commission chairman feels Bangladesh laws not used well". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- ^ "Court exempts 13 journalists from personal appearance". The Daily Star. 13 June 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ "HC declares new ordinance invalid". The Daily Star. 25 July 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ "Ex CJ Khairul Haque reappointed as law commission chair". The Daily Star. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- ^ "Khairul Haque reappointed Law Commission chairman for another three years". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- ^ "ABM Khairul Haque demands trial of Pakistani war criminals". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- ^ "Former chief justice Khairul Haque arrested in Dhaka". Dhaka Tribune. 24 July 2025. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Ex-CJ Khairul's detention example of extreme politicisation that's overwhelming justice system: David Bergman". The Business Standard. 26 July 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025.