Dhaka: Bangladesh witnessed effective judiciary and legal reforms in one year of the interim government sworn in on August 8 last year after Sheikh Hasina stepped down from premiership and fled to India amid a mass uprising, ending her almost 16 years of rule.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Nobel Laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus led the interim government, which took oath after Sheikh Hasina's downfall on August 5. The government initiated a wide range of reforms to bring back stability, order, and accountability in different sectors impacted by the prolonged misrule of the Awami League.
As part of the reform initiatives, the current government formed 10 commissions to strengthen and modernize different ministries and public institutions. The commissions submitted their reports for reforms, resulting in major changes in the judiciary and legal system within a year.
On October 3, 2024, the government issued a gazette notification forming a Judicial Reform Commission. This move came in the backdrop of the political shift during the July-August uprising, which saw at least 1,400 deaths and around 20,000 injuries in attacks on uprisers by law enforcers and AL cadres. The Judicial Reform Commission submitted its recommendations on February 15, 2025, aiming to establish an independent, neutral, and effective judiciary system in the country. The commission was headed by former Supreme Court Appellate Division Justice Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman.
The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs has implemented several major reform initiatives over the past year. Notable reforms include amendments to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, and the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance, 2025. These amendments modernized and internationalized the Act and introduced a public circular inviting applications for judge appointments for the first time in Bangladesh's history.
Other significant changes include amendments to the Civil Procedure Code, Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, and Power of Attorney Rules, 2015. These amendments streamlined legal procedures, introduced new tribunals, and expanded rights for Bangladesh-origin individuals abroad.
The government has also focused on withdrawing politically motivated cases, with committees recommending the withdrawal of 11,759 cases filed between 2009 and August 5, 2024. Additionally, 413 state-initiated speech-related cases under cyber law have been dropped.
Anti-corruption measures have been strengthened with the scrutiny of asset declarations from judges and officials, and administrative actions have begun against some. Judicial digitization is underway with developments in e-court systems and model sub-registry offices.
Infrastructure development in court premises is a priority, with construction and expansion works launched in 23 districts. Public service innovations include pilot e-courts with virtual trial features and online registration systems for marriages and divorces.
The interim government has ratified international treaties, like the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and established a Commission of Inquiry. Legal aid has been expanded, and the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, was enacted to replace the previous act, ensuring digital space safety and addressing cybercrimes.
According to Law Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Rezaul Karim, the ministry continues key reform activities, including finalizing the draft of the second amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code and drafting the Enforced Disappearance Prevention Ordinance, 2025. The government remains committed to ongoing reforms in the judiciary and legal sectors to maintain stability and justice in the country.