High Court Judge Resigns After Year-Long Absence

Dhaka, 2 February 2026 – Justice Mamunur Rahman of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court has officially resigned, citing personal reasons, after being absent from judicial duties for over a year.

The resignation letter was submitted on Monday (2 February) to the President via email, addressed through the Registrar General of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Law. Justice Rahman sent the letter from Canada, where he has been residing during his prolonged leave.

It is reported that Justice Rahman had been absent from his official duties without sanctioned leave for more than twelve months. In response to his absence, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) submitted a report to the President recommending appropriate measures. Previously, based on SJC investigations, the President had dismissed three other High Court judges.

The current resignation adds to a wider reshuffle in the High Court Division following the country’s political transition on 5 August 2024. At that time, twelve High Court judges were placed on leave. Since then, nine of these judges have permanently left their positions, either through resignation, mandatory retirement following SJC inquiries, or voluntary retirement.

Of the remaining three judges who have retained their posts, none are actively engaged in bench duties. Additionally, Justice M.R. Hasan has been placed on leave this month following complaints lodged with the SJC. Beyond the thirteen judges officially on leave, two more High Court judges—including Justice Mamunur Rahman—have remained voluntarily absent from their duties.

This sequence of resignations and absences reflects ongoing administrative challenges within the High Court Division and underscores the role of the Supreme Judicial Council in overseeing judicial accountability. Legal observers note that prolonged absences and multiple retirements could impact the division’s workload and delay the resolution of pending cases.