Dhaka: Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed today emphasized that the judiciary must embrace constitutional changes as a democratic truth over time, rather than viewing them as a threat. He made these remarks during his farewell reception held this morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the farewell reception for the Chief Justice was organized by Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman at Court No-1 of the Appellate Division. Addressing the judges and lawyers, Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed highlighted the significant period they have collectively navigated in the country's judicial history, expressing gratitude for the cooperation extended to him over the past sixteen months.
The Chief Justice elaborated on the constitutional framework, noting that the state operates through three principal organs: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. He remarked that the Supreme Court building symbolizes one of these pillars of civic life. He further stated that the judiciary's strength is not vested in any single office but is a collective effort rooted in a commitment to delivering justice with balance and foresight. He acknowledged the role of lawyers in crafting the language, reasoning, and structure of judgments, even though credit is often attributed to judges.
He asserted that in an unstable world, the judiciary's stability, restraint, integrity, and courage serve as the nation's most reliable source of stability. The reception program began with speeches from Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman and Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, who highlighted Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed's eventful professional life. The Chief Justice is set to retire as the 25th Chief Justice on December 27, having been sworn in on August 11, 2024.