The chief justice has revised the schedule of chamber judges of the Appellate Division, partially shifting away from virtual hearings amid mounting protests by Supreme Court lawyers over energy-saving measures.

According to a notification issued on Thursday, Justice Md Rezaul Haque will now sit as chamber judge on Mondays and Tuesdays instead of Sundays and Thursdays, while Justice Farah Mahbub will hold court on Sundays and Tuesdays, replacing the earlier Tuesday–Wednesday schedule.

The move comes days after the Supreme Court judiciary introduced virtual proceedings for two days a week — from April 22 — covering 63 High Court benches, the Appellate Division, and two chamber courts as part of austerity steps to save fuel and electricity amid the global energy crisis.

On April 23, lawyers issued an ultimatum demanding withdrawal of the decision by April 28, warning of a sit-in protest otherwise. They argued that the measure fails to reduce energy use, as lawyers still need to travel and operate from their court chambers, while courtrooms remain unused without air-conditioning.

Bar leaders also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of prior consultation. They said most of the lawyers had not trained and have technical support to join in the online courts. While attorney general Md Ruhul Quddus said his office was merely informed, not consulted, Supreme Court Bar Association leaders indicated the arrangement was discussed informally as a trial measure.