Gazipur: Supreme Court (SC) Registrar General Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee announced that the judiciary is on the brink of establishing its own separate secretariat, with the draft ordinance for its creation having already received policy approval. He shared this development during a workshop titled 'Strengthening Investigative Journalism for Supreme Court Reporters' at BRAC CDM, Rajendrapur, Gazipur.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the daylong workshop was organized by the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) in collaboration with the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and UNDP, supported by the Embassy of Sweden. Forty members of the Supreme Court Reporters Forum (SRF) participated to enhance their skills in covering judicial and legal affairs.
Registrar General Siddiquee emphasized the importance of investigative journalism as a key component of democracy, highlighting the role of journalists in ensuring justice and accountability. He stated that court reporters are integral to the justice system, as they provide the public with insight into court proceedings, justice, and human rights. Siddiquee expressed hope that the workshop would help SRF members become more proficient in investigative reporting.
The event was presided over by NIMC Director General Muhammad Hiruzzaman, NDC, with UNDP Bangladesh Senior Advisor (Rule of Law, Justice and Security) Romana Schweiger attending as a special guest. Hiruzzaman praised the media's role in promoting accountability and assured continued support for journalists' capacity building.
Romana Schweiger noted the increasing importance of the media in shaping public understanding and promoting transparency as Bangladesh progresses in judicial reform. The workshop was led by NIMC Assistant Director Mukbul Hossain and attended by NIMC Directors Rahima Akter and Parvin Sultana Rabbi, UNDP Bangladesh Head of Communication Md Abdul Qaiyum, NIMC Deputy Director Mohammad Abu Sadeq, and Assistant Director Hafsa Akter Sonia.
SRF President Masudur Rahman Rana and General Secretary Mehedi Hasan Dalim expressed gratitude to the organizers for arranging the workshop and expressed hope for continued collaboration in the future.