The High Court has formed an election tribunal to ensure speedy disposal of election-related cases under Section 49 of the Representation of the People Order. Justice Md Zakir Hossain will preside over the single bench designated to hear petitions concerning alleged irregularities in the recent national elections. The Chief Justice has granted this bench jurisdiction over election petitions in addition to its existing civil authority.

According to the High Court’s cause list, the bench will handle petitions transferred to it under the 1972 Representation of the People Order as amended in 2001. The tribunal will receive, admit, and hear applications and related rules concerning election disputes. Under Section 49, candidates or parties may file petitions within 45 days of the gazette notification of elected members.

The tribunal’s formation follows the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12, where voting took place in 299 out of 300 constituencies, and unofficial results for 297 seats were announced on February 13.