Abu Dhabi: Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has announced that Bangladesh’s judiciary has implemented permanent legal initiatives to safeguard the environment. He highlighted significant judgments from the nation’s apex court concerning hazardous industries, such as ship-breaking, which underscore the judiciary’s commitment to recognizing environmental rights as fundamental rights.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Justice Ahmed made these remarks during a function titled “Climate Justice and the Constitution: Reflection from the Global South” at New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi on April 28. The event, led by Professor Pavlos Eleftheriadis of the university’s Law Department, saw attendance from students, teachers, jurists, and other professionals, as noted in a Supreme Court press release.
The program focused on examining the interplay between constitutions, human rights, and climate change, particularly from the viewpoint of developing nations like Bangladesh, which are highly susceptible to environmental threats. Chief Justice Ahmed pointed out that while developed countries have historically contributed most to carbon emissions, it is the developing nations, with lower carbon footprints, that are now bearing the brunt of climate change impacts. He emphasized that the climate crisis transcends environmental concerns and is intrinsically linked to issues of justice.
Addressing the audience, Chief Justice Ahmed conveyed a compelling message to aspiring lawyers, asserting that climate justice should be seen as a constitutional duty rather than a delayed aspiration. He urged the new generation of legal professionals to integrate environmental protection into lawmaking, enforcement, and the judicial process, thereby ensuring a sustainable future.