New York: Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has articulated his primary objective of establishing an independent and efficient judiciary in Bangladesh to ensure fair and equal justice delivery for all citizens.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Justice Ahmed emphasized the importance of supporting fair justice delivery and upholding the rule of law during a video message at the United Nations Development Programme’s 25th Annual Meeting on Rule of Law and Human Rights in New York. The meeting, held from June 10-12, gathered top judicial officials from various countries.
In his address, the Chief Justice urged global, regional, and national promotion of the rule of law and human rights. He highlighted the alignment of these efforts with the UN Charter and Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. The 2024 Pact for the Future reinforces these objectives, aiming to provide access to justice and uphold human rights universally.
Chief Justice Ahmed called for unwavering support for the United Nations’ rule of law initiatives, which are foundational to global peace and prosperity. He acknowledged the challenges but stressed the importance of building robust and independent judiciaries.
The Chief Justice cited Bangladesh’s recent experiences as a testament to the significance of rule of law reforms. He highlighted the July-August 2024 revolution, which led to regime change and the appointment of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus. The revolution, driven by student-led protests, underscored the demand for justice and the rejection of injustice and oppression.
Dr. Ahmed’s tenure as Chief Justice has been guided by the legacy of the young protesters who sacrificed for justice. Despite facing a backlog of over 4.2 million cases and political challenges, he remains committed to judicial reform. The Reform Roadmap, tailored to Bangladesh’s needs, aims to restore equity and justice.
The UNDP has been instrumental in supporting these reforms with technical expertise and alignment with international standards. The Chief Justice acknowledged the collaboration with international partners, including the EU, UK, and Sweden, in promoting judicial independence.
Bangladesh’s journey toward a just future serves as a beacon of hope, according to Chief Justice Ahmed. He reiterated the importance of justice reform in achieving peace, stability, and human rights. The Chief Justice expressed gratitude to the United Nations and UNDP for their steadfast support in advancing justice and human rights reforms in Bangladesh.