Retired Appellate Division Justice Abdul Matin has accused the government of undermining judicial independence by repealing two key ordinances — the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance and the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance — originally issued by an interim government after the July Revolution to ensure full judicial autonomy. Speaking at a public discussion titled “Fifty-five years since repeal of the Supreme Court Secretariat and Judges Appointment Ordinances: How far is independence?” held at the National Press Club on Saturday, he said the government’s decision would bring disastrous consequences.

At the same event, retired district and sessions judge Masdar Hossain, who was the petitioner in the judicial separation case, said the repeal would have negative outcomes and accused successive governments of fearing judicial independence. He criticized the government for interfering in judicial matters, including seeking explanations from 28 judges over social media posts, which he said exceeded the law ministry’s authority. Other speakers, including senior lawyers and July Movement leaders, echoed concerns that the government’s actions were eroding the judiciary’s autonomy.

Speakers warned that continued interference could provoke public backlash and urged the government to restore respect for judicial independence.