Fresh off BNP’s win, Tarique Rahman donned the Prime Minister’s mantle Tuesday, backed by 25 ministers and 24 deputies. Yet, a simmering legal revolt threatens to upend the narrative, with a High Court filing slamming the referendum tied to the elections.
Lawyer Mohammad Ataul Majid’s public interest writ attacks the February 12 nationwide poll, announced results the next day, as unconstitutional overreach. Devoid of constitutional backing, the Election Commission had no right to proceed, the petition contends, demanding judicial invalidation.
It calls for officials to justify the vote’s status, listing the Chief Election Commissioner among respondents. Hearings loom next week with Justice Fatima Nazib presiding, per local reports.
Stats indicate strong support: over 48 million yes votes to 22 million no, crossing 60% threshold for reforms. Political ripples continued as Jamaat-e-Islami MPs abstained from oaths, spurning BNP’s council invitation, contrasting BNP’s smooth swearing-in ceremony.
This challenge arrives at a pivotal juncture, probing Bangladesh’s legal safeguards against electoral maneuvers. Rahman’s fledgling administration faces its first major test, with implications rippling through South Asian politics and beyond.