Dhaka: The interim government has given its final approval to the draft of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025, which aims to establish a separate secretariat for the apex court to ensure the judiciary’s full independence. This decision was made during a meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Mohammad Yunus, at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Prof. Asif Nazrul announced the completion of the full implementation of the Masdar Hossain case verdict, marking a significant step towards the judiciary’s independence. Prof. Nazrul, speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy, highlighted that this decision aligns with recommendations from the Judicial Reform Commission and the National Consensus Commission, both of which advocated for a separate Supreme Court secretariat.
The establishment of a separate secretariat for the Supreme Court has been a long-standing aspiration within Bangladesh’s civil society, spanning 20-30 years, as it promises to ensure the judiciary’s complete independence. Prof. Nazrul emphasized the historic nature of this achievement, noting that many political parties have promised such reform without fruition until now.
The ordinance transfers powers related to the transfer, promotion, posting, and disciplinary matters of lower court judges from the government to the Supreme Court Secretariat. Once fully implemented, the Ministry of Law and the government will no longer control lower-court judges, with all such matters being managed by the Supreme Court through its secretariat.
Prof. Nazrul further explained that the ordinance will only take effect once the secretariat is fully established and operational, which is expected to occur within a few months. This development will also enable financial management and independence for lower courts through the Supreme Court Secretariat, streamlining project approval processes for the judiciary.
Additionally, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam revealed that the government has also approved the draft of the Land Use Control and Protection of Agricultural Land Ordinance 2025, aimed at increasing crop production and protecting ecologically sensitive areas. The draft of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Ordinance also received approval in principle.
In a related development, Prof. Asif Nazrul announced that the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has reinstated the caretaker government system, overturning a previous verdict that declared it illegal. This reinstatement will take effect after the next parliamentary election, as the current parliament has been dissolved.