A recent decision across the Bangladesh judicial landscape has sparked debate amid a continued nationwide political turmoil in the country. Appellate Division Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of Bangladesh. His appointment, approved by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, was confirmed at Bangabhaban on Monday, according to reports.
Z.R. Chowdhury is set to take the oath as the 26th Chief Justice of Bangladesh on December 27, 2025. The appointment follows the impending retirement of Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, the 25th Chief Justice. According to the Daily Observer, the current Chief Justice is retiring on December 26, 2025.
Who is Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury?
Born on May 18, 1961, Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury took oath as a judge in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on August 13, 2024. He is the son of the late AFM Abdur Rahman Chowdhury, who has also served as a judge of the Bangladesh apex Court. He holds LLB (Honours) and LLM degrees from the University of Dhaka. He has also completed a master’s in international law from the United Kingdom.
In 1985, ZR Chowdhury enrolled as a lawyer in the district judges’ court. Two years later, he was appointed to the High Court Division of the Supreme Court. On August 27, 2003, he became an additional judge of the High Court Division. He was given a permanent post two years later, the Daily Observer reported.
Zubair, a close associate of Sheikh Hasina
Zubair Rahman Chowdhury is considered a close ally of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to reports, his career advanced significantly during her tenure. In 2007, Zubair granted relief to Sheikh Hasina in an extortion case, paving the way for her political rise.
After a landslide victory in 2008, Sheikh Hasina became Bangladesh’s PM for the second time on January 6, 2009. With Hasina’s return to office, Zubair’s fortunes are said to have improved, and he was appointed to the Dhaka High Court. In 2017 and 2022, cases against Sheikh Hasina that came under Zubair resulted in her acquittal.
Is Bangladesh heading towards another coup?
Critics argue that the decision to appoint ZR Chowdhury as the new Chief Justice of Bangladesh could further consolidate power in the hands of Hasina’s allies. It has fueled fears of a dominating influence over the state’s judiciary.
With the country already experiencing a wave of unrest, questions are emerging about whether there will be a tilt in the balance of power or if Bangladesh is heading towards another coup. However, some critics view this appointment as a merit-based decision.
