The High Court has ruled the Ministry of Commerce’s decision to appoint an administrator to oversee the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) as unlawful.
The verdict, delivered on Sunday (15 December), by the High Court bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Shikdar Md Mahmudur Razi, reinstates the previous HAAB committee and directs them to resume their responsibilities.
Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir represented the reinstated committee during the hearing, while Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal appeared for the opposing side.
Earlier, the Appellate Division had stayed the High Court’s initial order and instructed the resolution of the rule regarding the matter.
The controversy stems from an office order issued by the Ministry of Commerce on 15 October.
Acting on a petition from owners of several Hajj agencies alleging discriminatory practices, the Ministry invoked Section 17 of the Trade Organisations Act, 2022, to annul the HAAB executive committee and appoint Joint Secretary Mohammad Daudul Islam as its administrator.
The administrator was instructed to conduct a fair and impartial election within 120 days and hand over responsibilities to the newly elected committee, with progress reported to the Ministry.
The High Court's decision now nullifies the Ministry's order, restoring authority to the previously elected HAAB committee.
