Former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque has come under intense scrutiny for allegedly accepting kickbacks and rewards in exchange for his controversial verdict that dismantled the caretaker government system—a decision that many lawyers claim fueled political unrest and led to significant loss of life.

These accusations have prompted demands for his trial alongside ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In 2011, just a week before his retirement, Justice Haque authored a pivotal verdict declaring the caretaker government system unconstitutional. This decision, which ignored strong objections from the country’s eminent jurists, is now being linked to his alleged involvement in judicial corruption.

According to critics, the verdict effectively allowed Sheikh Hasina to extend her grip on power, transforming her as a "cruel dictator" until her recent flight to India amid a popular revolt.

The allegations against Justice Haque include accepting bribes totaling Tk 17 lakh in exchange for the verdict. Pro-Awami League lawyers claim that he initially received Tk 9 lakh but later demanded an additional Tk 8 lakh, citing health reasons.

These claims are further compounded by his appointment as chairman of the Law Commission in July 2013, a position he held for nine years with full benefits equivalent to those of the chief justice.

"His role at the Law Commission was largely ceremonial," said a pro-Awami League lawyer, noting that Khairul Haque’s primary responsibility appeared to be attending functions commemorating the birth and death anniversaries of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In addition to the bribery allegations, Justice Haque is accused of abusing his power by securing the position of Deputy Attorney General for his son. Critics within the legal community have labeled him as an architect of the erosion of democracy in Bangladesh.

As student protests gained momentum, Justice Haque reportedly fled to London, where he owns several properties. Following Sheikh Hasina's escape to India, he resigned from his position at the Law Commission on August 13, citing health concerns.

"Khairul Haque, who undermined democracy, and Sheikh Hasina, who sanctioned the violence, should face trial together," Supreme Court BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Barrister Kaiser Kamal told The Mirror Asia in a recent interview.

He accused Haque of corrupting the judiciary and playing a key role in dismantling the country’s democratic institutions.

On August 18, a case was filed against Justice Haque at Shahbagh Police Station, charging him with judicial corruption and manipulating verdicts. The complainant alleges that Haque, influenced by Sheikh Hasina and driven by personal ambition, altered a summary judgment delivered on May 10, 2011, in the full verdict of an Appellate Division case on September 16, 2012.

This is not the first legal action taken against Justice Haque. A Dhaka court recently dismissed another case filed against him, but the petitioner has since issued a legal notice to the government seeking justice for the alleged fraud.

Justice Khairul served as the chief justice from October 1, 2010, to May 17, 2011.