Bangladesh’s Appellate Division on Thursday upheld a High Court verdict restoring the non-partisan caretaker government system and referendum provisions to the constitution. The ruling confirmed that these clauses, removed by the 15th Amendment in 2011, will be reinstated. Government policymakers, politicians, and lawyers described the decision as historic and reflective of public expectations. Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said the verdict blocks any return to fascism and ensures that the next national election will be held under a caretaker administration.

The 15th Amendment, passed by the former Awami League government, had abolished the caretaker system and referendum provisions, altering 54 constitutional articles. Following the fall of that government in August 2024, petitions were filed challenging the amendment’s legality. The High Court declared several sections unconstitutional, including those abolishing the caretaker system and referendum, a decision now affirmed by the Appellate Division.

According to the Attorney General, the remaining constitutional changes introduced by the 15th Amendment will now be subject to parliamentary decision, while the restored provisions mark a return to the earlier democratic framework.