Rezaul Karim, former Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, suspended on corruption charges

Former Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Rezaul Karim Chowdhury has been suspended on corruption and vehicle theft charges. The decision was taken by the Law Ministry, which was implemented on the advice of the Supreme Court.

The matter came to light on Monday (October 13). The notification said that a notification signed by Law Ministry Secretary Liaquat Ali Mollah on September 29 stated that, “Currently, a case has been registered against former Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Rezaul Karim Chowdhury on charges of misconduct as per the **Bangladesh Supreme Judicial Service Disciplinary Rules.

The notification further said, “Considering the gravity of the allegations against him, it is reasonable to suspend him temporarily. In consultation with the Supreme Court, he has been suspended under Rule 11 of the Bangladesh Supreme Judicial Service Disciplinary Rules-2017. This order will come into effect immediately.”

Earlier, on September 25 last year, a report published on a private TV channel had raised allegations of car theft and corruption against Rezaul Karim. The report said that he had used a vehicle belonging to an accused from the custody of the DB. In addition, information was also published that he had taken a 7.5 katha plot in Purbachal from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works without informing the Law Ministry, where High Court judges usually get a 5 katha plot.

According to the complaint, he took advantage of the case by taking a 5 katha ready-made plot next to Northern University. While he was a judge of the CMM Court in Dhaka, he built a three-storey house in Sitakunda, Chittagong.

Legal experts say such suspensions are an important step in maintaining the conduct and discipline of judges. The outcome of the ongoing case against Rezaul Karim could have an impact on the transparency and accountability of the judicial system in the future.