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Published : 09 Feb 2025, 11:27 AM
Justice Md Abdur Rouf, who served as the chief election commissioner after the fall of military strongman HM Ershad in the early 1990s, has died at the age of 91.
The former Appellate Division judge passed away around 10am on Sunday during treatment at the Insaf Barakah Kidney Hospital in Dhaka's Moghbazar, according to his aide Md Tawhid.
"He had been seriously ill for the past two months and was receiving treatment at the hospital. He passed away a short while ago," he said.
"After completing all the formalities in Dhaka, he will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Mymensingh," Tawhid added.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus expressed his condolences, highlighting Rouf's role in steering the nation back on the path of democracy.
Noting that Rouf’s contributions would endure in the hearts of Bangladeshis, Yunus said: “Justice Rouf will continue to serve as an example in Bangladesh's democratic journey.”
“He worked tirelessly for the right to vote, for reforms and for democracy. The nation will forever honour and remember his dedication.”
Rouf served as the country's fifth chief election commissioner from Dec 25, 1990 to Apr 18, 1995.
While he was praised for overseeing the much-anticipated 1991 general elections, his tenure drew controversy due to the Magura by-election in 1994 during the BNP's rule.
Rouf was born on Feb 1, 1934, in Mymensingh and later graduated from Dhaka University. He entered the legal profession in the early 1960s and was appointed as a High Court judge in 1982.
In 1990, after the fall of the Ershad regime, Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, head of the first caretaker government, appointed Rouf as the chief election commissioner, or CEC.
For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, the Election Commission was expanded to a three-member panel ahead of the fifth general election. Shortly after Rouf replaced Justice Sultan Hossain Khan as CEC, election commissioner Amin-ur-Rahman Khan resigned and was succeeded by Justice Sayad Misbah Uddin Hossain. Justice Noyem Uddin Ahmad retained his position.
Under Rouf’s leadership, the Election Commission conducted the fifth national elections on Feb 27, 1991. The BNP won 140 seats, while the Awami League secured 88.
During his tenure, Rouf introduced significant reforms to election laws, including the issuance of the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 1990. However, his reputation was marred by allegations of irregularities in the Magura by-election toward the end of his term. Facing mounting criticism, he stepped down as CEC eight months before his term ended and returned to the judiciary.
In 1995, he was appointed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court and served until his retirement on Feb 1, 1999.
After retiring from the judiciary, Rouf worked as a Shariah advisor for Fareast Islami Life Insurance Company and Prime Islami Life Insurance. He also served as the chairman of Phulkuri Ashar, a national organisation for children and adolescents.
