The prime minister approved a presidential note on the Supreme Judicial Council's January 26 verdict report with an opinion that the judge in question, Syed Shahidur Rahman, should stand down as additional judge.

The law ministry on Saturday sent the presidential note to the prime minister for her advice, two and a half months into the submission of the verdict report.

Sources at the Prime Minister's Office said prime minister's advice was sent to the Bangabhaban yesterday and the president would act in accordance with her advice constitutionally. "Now it is just a matter of time before the judge is removed," said a source.

The council was formed on October 29 last year upon a presidential directive following an allegation against Shahidur by Supreme Court Bar Association President Rokanuddin Mahmud. Rokan on October 15 accused Shahidur of taking Tk 50,000 from a client for fixing bail of an accused in a women repression case.

The council in its report said it has not been proved beyond doubt to convict the judge of taking bribes in the bail fix, but "on consideration of facts and materials on record in its entirety, it cannot be said that the allegations are not supported by evidence, nor can it be said the allegations are baseless".

The judge was appointed on April 24 last year in the face of objection by the Bar association and senior Supreme Court lawyers. They alleged when Shahidur was an office bearer of the association, he embezzled the organisation funds.

Shahidur has been on leave since the allegation was raised on October 15 last year.