A. F. Hassan Ariff (10 July 1941 – 20 December 2024)[1] was a Indian-Bangladeshi lawyer who served as the Attorney General of Bangladesh and adviser of the caretaker government led by Fakhruddin Ahmed.[2][3] He also served as an adviser to the 2024 Bangladesh interim government led by Yunus until his death.[4]
Early life
Ariff was born in Kolkata, British India on July 10, 1941. He studied at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata and later became a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Calcutta.[1][5]
Career
In 1967, Ariff started his legal practice at the Calcutta High Court in Kolkata, India.[6]
In 1970, Ariff began practing law in Dhaka after moving to East Pakistan.[6]
From October 2001 to April 2005, Ariff served as the attorney general of Bangladesh.[6] He admitted abuses were taking place under section 54, which allowed the police to detain suspects without warrants.[7]
Ariff represented the Bangladesh Nationalist Party government in a case to close down Ekushey Television on 29 August 2002.[8]
From January 2008 to January 2009, Ariff served as the legal advisor to the Fakhruddin Ahmed led caretaker government.[6] He supported the creation of a National Security Council.[9] Under him, the Attorney general's office prosecuted high profile corruption cases against former Prime Ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.[10] He represented the caretaker government in negotiating with Khaleda Zia in November 2008 to ensure participation in the next parliamentary elections.[11]
In January 2018, Bangladesh Judicial Service Association criticized Ariff for signing a statement critical of the lower court judges disciplinary rules in relation to the Secretary, Ministry of Finance v. Masdar Hossain case.[12]
Ariff was an advisor to the Dhakeshwari National Temple Complex.[6] He was the lead of AF Hassan Ariff & Associates.[13]
Personal life and death
Ariff's son is Muaaz Ariff.[14] Muaaz was sued for domestic violence by his wife, Madhuri Akter Neela in June 2021.[14] Also accused in the case were Ariff, his wife, and daughter.[14]
Ariff died at Labaid Hospital in Dhaka, on 20 December 2024, at the age of 83 from a heart attack.[15][16] Following his death, Government of Bangladesh announced a day of mourning.[17][18]
His islamic funeral was held at the Dhanmondi 7 mosque on December 20, 2024. A second islamic funeral was held the next day.[5]
References
- ^ a b অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের উপদেষ্টা হাসান আরিফ মারা গেছেন. BBC Bangla (in Bengali). 20 December 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
- ^ "6 parties invited to talks with govt". The Daily Star. 14 May 2008. Archived from the original on 22 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
- ^ "Mirpur butcher Molla must die, says SC". bdnews24.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
- ^ "Yunus-led interim govt sworn in". The Daily Star. 8 August 2024. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
- ^ a b "AF Hassan Ariff: A legacy of justice and integrity". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Advisers to the interim government". The Daily Star. 9 August 2024. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ Ravaging the Vulnerable. Human Rights Watch. p. 15.
- ^ Pearson, Bryan (29 August 2002). "Ruling takes ETV off airwaves". Variety. Archived from the original on 4 August 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
- ^ Kofmel, Erich (13 May 2016). Anti-Democratic Thought. Andrews UK Limited. ISBN 978-1-84540-866-4.
- ^ "Ex-Bangladesh PM's trial halted". 6 February 2008. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ "Govt talks in vain as BNP, AL won't budge". The Daily Star. 19 November 2008. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ "No dissatisfaction at judges' rules: Association". Prothomalo. 4 January 2018. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ "A F Hassan Ariff". chambers.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ a b c "Daughter-in-law of ex-B'desh AG alleges domestic violence". The Statesman. 19 June 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ "Adviser Hassan Ariff passes away". The Business Standard. 20 December 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ "Adviser Hassan Ariff passes away". The Daily Star. 20 December 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ "Death of Hassan Ariff: State mourning today". New Age. 22 December 2024.
- ^ "State mourning declared for late Adviser Hasan Arif on Monday". The Financial Express. 22 December 2024.
External links
Media related to A. F. Hassan Ariff at Wikimedia Commons
