In a solemn ceremony held at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban, Justice Obaidul Hasan took the oath of office today, officially assuming the position of the 24th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. The event, which marked a significant moment in the nation’s judicial history, was attended by dignitaries, legal luminaries, and government officials.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by the President of Bangladesh at 11 am. In attendance were the President’s wife, Dr. Rebecca Sultana, members of the Cabinet, former chief justices, judges from both the Appellate and High Court divisions, heads of the three services, the principal secretary to the prime minister, the attorney general, and prominent Supreme Court lawyers, including leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain conducted the ceremony with grace and precision.
Justice Obaidul Hasan’s appointment as Chief Justice follows the retirement of his predecessor, as per Article 95 (1) of the Constitution. He had been appointed as Chief Justice on September 12, showcasing his extensive experience and dedication to the legal profession.
Justice Obaidul Hasan’s journey in the judiciary began in 2009 when he was appointed as an additional judge of the Supreme Court’s High Court Division, later confirmed as a permanent judge in 2011. His ascent continued, culminating in his elevation as a judge in the Appellate Division on September 3, 2020.
Born on January 1, 1959, in Chayashi village under Mohanganj upazila in Netrokona district, Justice Obaidul Hasan is the son of Dr. Akhlaqul Hossain Ahmed and Begum Hosne Ara Hossain. He has a distinguished legal career, having initially obtained his graduate and postgraduate degrees in economics from Dhaka University before transitioning to the field of law. His journey as a legal practitioner began in 1986 when he made his debut in the Dhaka District Court, and he received his enrollment in the High Court in 1988.
Justice Obaidul Hasan’s commitment to the legal profession led to his appointment as an assistant attorney general and deputy attorney general for a period of five years from 1996 to 2001. As a Supreme Court judge, he represented Bangladesh at numerous international legal conferences held in various countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Argentina.
Notably, Justice Obaidul Hasan served as the chairman of International Crimes Tribunal-2 from March 25, 2012, until September 15, 2015, where he pronounced 11 significant verdicts. His contributions to the field of law extend beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by the several books he authored, including ‘Obornonio Nirmomotar Chittro Ekatturer Buddhijibi Hotyakando O Onnanya,’ ‘Bangabandhu Bangladesh Ekjon Juddho Shishur Golpo O Onnanya,’ and ‘Bangabandhu, Rabindranath O Oshamprodayeek Bangladesh.’
Justice Obaidul Hasan is married to Nafisa Banu, who currently serves as a Member (Finance) of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority’s Board of Directors. The couple has a son, Barrister Ahmed Shafquat Hasan. Additionally, his younger brother, Sajjadul Hassan, is a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Netrokona-4 constituency and previously served as a senior secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Justice Obaidul Hasan’s journey to the position of Chief Justice exemplifies dedication, expertise, and a commitment to upholding justice within Bangladesh’s legal system. His tenure as the 24th Chief Justice holds the promise of contributing to the nation’s continued legal development and the protection of its citizens’ rights.
