The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has released a full verdict ordering the reinstatement of 85 Upazila election officers dismissed 18 years ago. The court ruled that the Election Commission’s action was unconstitutional, restoring the officers’ full rights and benefits. They had been terminated on September 3, 2007, by the caretaker government, which accused them of being politically appointed during the alliance government’s tenure. Last year, the officers filed appeals and review petitions challenging earlier verdicts. The Appellate Division has now sided with them, ending a long legal battle.