Dhaka: Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed announced today that nearly 80 percent of the judicial reform programme has been implemented. 'Almost 80 percent of the judicial reform programme has already been executed. I hope the remaining steps will also be implemented with the cooperation of the government,' the Chief Justice stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Justice Ahmed was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'July Uprising: Judicial Reforms,' organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) at its auditorium. During his address, he emphasized the importance of completing the process to ensure full institutional autonomy of the judiciary. He highlighted the necessity of enhancing transparency in judiciary functions, maintaining discipline among judicial officers, and extending the reform process to every court nationwide.
The Chief Justice remarked on the relentless efforts of the judiciary to restore its full independence and discipline. He stated that the judiciary must serve the public with fairness, courage, and integrity. He expressed optimism about establishing an independent secretariat for the Supreme Court, considering it a crucial proposal that could strengthen the constitutional separation of powers and judiciary independence.
Chief Justice Ahmed also addressed the significance of the credibility of the judiciary, which he believes depends largely on the fairness of judicial appointments. He described the activation of the Supreme Judicial Appointment Council as a historic step, noting that it introduces a collegium-based system to ensure transparency and participation in judicial recruitment.
The discussion was presided over by SCBA President Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon. Other notable speakers included Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, Bangladesh Bar Council Vice Chairman and senior lawyer Zainul Abedin, Gono Forum Executive President and senior lawyer Subrata Chowdhury, and BNP Law Affairs Secretary Barrister Kaiser Kamal.