Justice Zubair Rahman Chowdhury recommended as head of search committee for EC formation

The name of Justice Zubair Rahman Chowdhury, a senior judge of the Appellate Division, has been recommended as the head of the search committee for forming the Election Commission (EC). 

The recommendation has been made by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed.

Additionally, Senior Justice AKM Asaduzzaman of the High Court has been nominated as a member of the committee. 

Following the nomination of these two Supreme Court judges, the Supreme Court administration has sent their names to the Cabinet Division.

This information was disclosed on Tuesday by sources from the Supreme Court administration.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul mentioned in the Secretariat that the search committee for forming the Election Commission has been established. 

He indicated that the chief adviser may have already signed the notification, which is expected to be issued on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

He said: "Our journey towards the elections has begun," following a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

According to the law passed in the National Parliament regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners, the President is responsible for forming the search committee.

This search committee, led by a judge of the Appellate Division, consists of six members. They will propose ten names based on the eligibility and disqualifications outlined in the law. From these ten, the President will form the new Election Commission with five members.

The President forms the six-member search committee, with the head being a judge of the Appellate Division nominated by the Chief Justice. The committee also includes one High Court judge nominated by the Chief Justice, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, and two eminent citizens nominated by the President, one of whom must be a woman.

A quorum for committee meetings will be established with the presence of three members. 

The Cabinet Division will provide administrative support to the search committee. 

The committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the President within 15 working days.