Former chief election commissioner and retired High Court judge, Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf was remembered at a memorial event on Saturday for his integrity, commitment to justice, and contribution to Bangladesh鈥檚 electoral history.
Speaking at the event, Appellate Division judge, Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury recalled Justice Rouf鈥檚 pivotal role in the 1991 general election, which was internationally acclaimed as free and fair.
He described Justice Rouf as a 鈥榞ood arbitrator鈥� and praised his distinguished career as a lawyer, judge, and chief election commissioner.
Justice Zubayer Rahman stressed that Justice Rouf had not lobbied for the position of Chief Election Commissioner.
鈥楾he then president personally requested him to take up the post, but he was reluctant and showed no interest,鈥� he said.
Justice Md Rezaul Haque said, 鈥楬is contribution to establishing the rule of law, human rights, and justice are widely recognized.鈥�
He highlighted that the 1991 general elections, conducted under Justice Rouf鈥檚 leadership, was regarded as one of the most acceptable and neutral elections in the country鈥檚 history, paving the way for the restoration of democracy.
Another Appellate Division judge, Justice SM Emdadul Haque said that Justice Rouf had worked tirelessly for the 18 crore people of Bangladesh to ensure a free and fair national election in 1991.
Reflecting on Justice Rouf鈥檚 character, he mentioned that Rouf voluntarily resigned after expressing dissatisfaction over the conduct of the 1994 Magura by-election.
Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 95, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka.
The event, titled Jatiya Nagarik Saran Sabha, was organised by Phulkuri Ashar, a cultural organisation, at the Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium. Former Speaker and senior lawyer Muhammad Jamiruddin Sircar presided over the session.
