Dhaka: Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed today emphasized the importance of forming strategic partnerships among stakeholders within the justice delivery system to effectively shape the future of justice in the country. “The clarion call here is for all stakeholders in justice delivery to create strategic partnerships to shape the kind of justice value we want for this country looking ahead,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Justice was speaking as the chief guest at the ‘National Conference on ADR: Role of District Legal Aid Committees (DLACs) in Implementing New Legislations’ held at a city hotel. He highlighted the potential paradigm shift from a court-centric to a people-centric system, aiming to protect citizens from undue encroachments on their rights.
The Chief Justice mentioned that timely initiatives have been undertaken to ensure legal aid for accused individuals unable to afford legal representation. “For ensuring rule of law and securing justice, pursuant to Notification No. 27/2024 J, dated 25 August 2024, of the High Court Division (Judicial Section) of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, the Chief Justice of Bangladesh has directed that, in order to ensure legal assistance to accused persons present before the court, if they are not represented by a lawyer, an advocate shall be appointed from the Legal Aid Panel to represent them,” he explained.
He further detailed that individuals unable to appoint a lawyer due to special circumstances would be identified as incapable persons, with necessary legal aid measures provided. Reflecting on his one-year administration, the Chief Justice noted significant changes in justice delivery, judicial administration, and reform.
The Chief Justice emphasized the integral role of Legal Aid services in reforming the justice system, transitioning from a top-down model to a service-centric approach committed to quality adjudication and expanded alternatives to adversarial trials. He underscored the necessity of Alternative Dispute Resolution and legal aid as vital connections between the formal justice system and the lived realities of people.
Addressing the need for trust in the judiciary, the Chief Justice insisted on independence from executive interference, efficiency through modern procedures and digital platforms, and transformative legal aid. He remarked, “These are not abstract ideals rather they are concrete reforms now underway, and this conference is an opportunity to evaluate our progress and chart the way forward.”
The conference was presided over by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul. Other notable attendees included Attorney General for Bangladesh Md Asaduzzaman, EU Ambassador Michael Miller, and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller.
Reflecting on the political changes following the July Revolution, the Chief Justice acknowledged the impact on judicial governance and the necessity for reform, particularly in Legal Aid, as a priority from the outset.