HC issues rule over minimum graduate qualification for UP chairman candidates

The High Court on Wednesday issued a rule asking why candidates contesting elections for the post of Union Parishad (UP) chairman should not be required to hold at least a bachelor's degree.

HC also sought an explanation as to why Section 26 of the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act, 2009, which does not prescribe any minimum educational qualification for the post, should not be declared inconsistent with the Constitution.

The bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the order after a preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed by two Supreme Court lawyers – Kazi Ferdousul Hasan and Md Tanvir Ahmed Khan.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Ferdousul argued that UP chairmen exercise significant powers, including presiding over village courts that can hear disputes involving claims of up to 300,000 taka.

He said magistrates exercising comparable judicial authority are required to obtain a university degree and pass the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission (BJSC) examination, whereas no minimum educational qualification is required for UP chairmen under the existing law.

The court directed the secretaries of the Local Government Division and the Law Ministry, along with the Chief Election Commissioner, to respond to the rule.