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SC Dismisses Writ Challenging President Shahabuddin’s Election, Imposes Tk 1 Lakh Fine!
Appellate Division of Supreme Court slams “illogical” writ petition, fines petitioner Tk 1 Lakh.
In a groundbreaking verdict, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court rejected a writ petition challenging the legality of Md Shahabuddin’s election as the country’s president. Led by Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, the eight-member bench passed the order, delivering a resounding blow to the petitioner Advocate MA Aziz. Citing the frivolous nature of the writ petition, the court imposed a hefty fine of Tk 1 lakh, emphasizing that the petitioner had wasted the court’s valuable time.
The esteemed bench consisted of Justice Md. Nuruzzaman, Justice Obaidul Hassan, Justice Borhanuddin, Justice M. Enayetur Rahim, Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam, Justice Md. Abu Zafor Siddique, and Justice Jahangir Hossain. During the proceedings, Advocate MA Aziz Khan represented the petitioner, while Attorney General MA Amin Uddin defended the state’s interests.
The saga began on March 7 when a writ petition was filed challenging the legality of the election process and the publication of the gazette notification by the Election Commission regarding Shahabuddin’s presidency. Seeking a stay order on the operation of the gazette notification, the petitioner aimed to challenge the legitimacy of the entire electoral process.
However, on March 15, the High Court rejected the writ petition, prompting an appeal to be filed against the HC’s decision on March 21. Now, with the Appellate Division’s resolute stance, the writ petition has been definitively dismissed, leaving Shahabuddin’s election untouched.
As the scorching heatwave persists across Bangladesh, Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a forecast of rain or thunder showers in six divisions, including Dhaka, over the next 24 hours.
Beginning from 6pm on Sunday, the BMD bulletin stated that isolated places in Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions can expect rain or thundershowers accompanied by the temporary gusty wind. The rest of the country is likely to experience mainly dry weather with temporary partly cloudy skies.
Meanwhile, a severe heatwave continues to affect Nilphamari and Dinajpur districts, while mild to moderate heatwave conditions persist in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Cumilla, Chandpur, Noakhali, and Bandarban.
The BMD expects day and night temperatures to remain fairly constant. On Sunday, Dinajpur recorded the highest temperature at 41.1 degrees Celsius, while Netrokona registered the lowest temperature at 23.5 degrees. Additionally, Kishoreganj’s Nikli and Rangpur received the highest rainfall with 13mm each.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, stated on Thursday (25 May) that the recently announced visa policy was intended to assist and uphold the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh.
Following his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, US Ambassador Peter Haas expressed that the new visa policy was implemented in support of the Bangladeshi people, the government of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and all those in Bangladesh who advocate for free and fair elections.
The discussion with FM Momen formed part of their regular series of meetings, during which they addressed various aspects of the growing relationship between the United States and Bangladesh.
Prior to the meeting, the US ambassador also engaged with representatives from major political parties to discuss the new visa policy. Notably, Ambassador Peter Haas emphasized that the policy aimed to curtail visas for individuals who undermine the democratic process, as the United States remains committed to supporting free and fair elections.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh on Thursday morning (25 May), successfully concluding her 3-day official visit to Qatar. Her flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:58 am. The purpose of her visit was to participate in the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), where she was invited by Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
During her visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina actively engaged in various activities. She attended the Qatar Economic Forum and held a meeting with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at the Amiri Diwan. Additionally, she had a productive bilateral meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and also met with Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame.
Several prominent figures from Qatar and Saudi Arabia also held discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, along with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid A. Al-Falih, and Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Alibrahim, jointly called on her.
During her visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took the opportunity to address students at Qatar University and paid a visit to Awsaj Academy. This specialized school, operated under the Qatar Foundation, caters to children with special needs.
Overall, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Qatar was marked by productive engagements, fostering bilateral relations, and active participation in the Qatar Economic Forum, enhancing Bangladesh’s diplomatic ties with Qatar and other nations.
