The Appellate Division has declared the much-discussed verdict to abolish the non-partisan caretaker government system during the election period as illegal. At the same time, the country's highest court has declared the Thirteenth Amendment valid and reinstated the caretaker government system in the constitution.

Today (Thursday) at 9:40 am, a full bench of 7 judges led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed announced the historic verdict. The other 6 judges of the bench are - Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam, Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, Justice Md. Rezaul Haque, Justice S. M. Imdadul Haque, Justice A. K. M. Asaduzzaman and Justice Farah Mahbub.

The courtroom of the Appellate Division was packed to the brim with lawyers and media personnel present when the verdict was announced.

Although the caretaker government system automatically returns to the constitution through this ruling, the upcoming 13th national government elections will be held under an interim government. The caretaker government system will be effective from the 14th national parliament elections.