SC stays HC verdict declaring Aug 15 as national holiday

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court's verdict that declared August 15, National Mourning Day, a national holiday. 

A full bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, issued the order on Sunday. 

Additional Attorney General Barrister Anik R. Haque confirmed the development on Monday.

He stated, “On August 13, the Advisory Council of the interim government decided to cancel the general holiday on August 15, observed as National Mourning Day and the death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, for this year through an executive decision. The action taken in court, however, pertains to judicial matters related to the previous verdict.”

The observance of August 15 as National Mourning Day and a national holiday was first declared in 1996 when the Awami League came to power. However, in 2002, the four-party alliance government, led by the BNP, canceled the decision in a cabinet meeting. In response, three pro-Awami League lawyers filed a writ petition, and the High Court declared the BNP-led government’s decision illegal. As a result, the decision to observe August 15 as National Mourning Day and declare it a national holiday was reinstated.

Recently, the state appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking a stay on the High Court's verdict.