Staff Reporter :
Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam will assume the responsibilities of Acting Chief Justice (CJ) from December 19 to 24, 2025. The temporary appointment comes as Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed prepares to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the holy Umrah.
According to a notice issued by the Law and Justice Division, Justice Ashfaqul Islam will carry out all duties of the Chief Justice during the period of Justice Ahmed’s absence. The directive further clarifies that his role as Acting CJ will continue until the Chief Justice returns and formally resumes office.
The notice, signed by Law and Justice Division Secretary Liaquet Ali Molla, states that Justice Ashfaqul Islam-currently the senior-most judge of the Appellate Division-has been granted the President’s approval to undertake the responsibilities in line with Article 97 of the Constitution. This constitutional provision allows for the appointment of an acting Chief Justice when the position becomes temporarily vacant due to absence or incapacity.
Justice Ashfaqul Islam’s temporary stewardship ensures the uninterrupted functioning of the Supreme Court during the Chief Justice’s pilgrimage abroad.
This temporary appointment ensures the Supreme Court’s activities continue smoothly, with Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam stepping in to maintain judicial functions until Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed returns and resumes his responsibilities.
