Barishal: Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed today vowed to implement the entire roadmap announced for reforming the judiciary. “The reform journey we began has not faltered but advanced with a determination nearing one hundred percent implementation,” he stated, emphasizing a roadmap designed to meet the people’s demands for justice, as voiced in July and August 2024.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Justice Ahmed was addressing a regional seminar on Judicial Independence and Efficiency at the Grand Park Hotel in Barishal district. The Chief Justice reflected on the roadmap he announced a year ago at the Supreme Court, with an aim to restore public confidence in the judiciary through tangible changes, accountable institutions, and the courage to self-reform.
On September 21, 2024, he pledged national commitment to judicial independence, efficiency, and institutional excellence. Over the past year, the roadmap, he noted, has reshaped court culture and increased institutional credibility. The event was attended by notable figures, including Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury from the Appellate Division, and several ambassadors and representatives from international bodies.
The Chief Justice highlighted the enactment of the Supreme Judicial Appointment Council Ordinance, 2025, establishing a merit-based system for appointing judges, thus enhancing transparency and accountability. The recent appointments under this framework serve as evidence of progress towards judicial independence and public trust.
He also announced near completion of groundwork for a separate Supreme Court Secretariat, aimed at ending dual administration over judicial matters, thereby ensuring judicial autonomy. The revival of the Supreme Judicial Council has reintroduced constitutional mechanisms for disciplining Supreme Court Judges, reaffirming accountability.
Dr. Ahmed spoke on the digital transformation of the justice system with paper-free benches in the High Court Division, digital filing in Family Courts, and nationwide help-lines, which have made justice more accessible and transparent. These measures, he noted, have redefined justice delivery in Bangladesh, breaking barriers of fear and delay.
A significant milestone mentioned was the promulgation of Rules on Posting in the Law and Justice Division and Judicial Service Construction. These rules provide a transparent framework for judicial career progression and consolidate judicial autonomy. The expansion of the district judiciary and separation of civil and criminal jurisdictions are seen as direct responses to inefficiencies.
The Chief Justice emphasized the need for a justice system that matches Bangladesh’s economic growth, proposing the Commercial Court Ordinance, 2025, to streamline commercial dispute resolution. This forward-looking framework is expected to boost investor confidence and enhance Bangladesh’s business environment.
In conclusion, Chief Justice Ahmed reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to reform, emphasizing that it should be open and global in its vision. He acknowledged the support of international partners in this journey, underscoring the need for judicial statesmanship to protect the constitutional structure and deliver principled justice.