Yunus-led govt’s legitimacy challenged

A writ petition has been filed at the High Court challenging the legality of the actions taken during the tenure of the interim government led by former Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The petition questions the validity of various decisions made during that period, including legislation, reform commissions, and domestic and international agreements.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Muhammad Muhsin Rashid confirmed on Monday that he personally filed the writ in the public interest on Sunday, May 3, at the relevant branch of the High Court. The Cabinet Secretary and two secretaries of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs have been named as respondents.

The petition seeks the formation of a commission to investigate the matters raised, as well as an inquiry into possible corruption allegations against former Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Earlier, the same lawyer had filed a writ challenging the legality of the formation process and oath-taking of the interim government, which was later dismissed by a High Court bench. An appeal against that decision was also filed.

On December 4, 2024, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s verdict, declaring the formation and oath-taking of the interim government under Dr. Yunus as valid. The court also dismissed the leave-to-appeal petition, with observations, in a ruling delivered by a seven-member bench headed by then Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed.

Following the political change on August 5, 2024, when the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina fell, Parliament was dissolved on August 6. An interim government was then formed under Dr. Yunus on August 8. Prior to its formation and oath-taking, the President had sought the Supreme Court’s opinion under Article 106 of the Constitution.