Dhaka: Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed asserted that the July Revolution aimed not to overthrow the constitution but to reinforce transparency, accountability, and responsiveness within public life. Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025, hosted at Hotel Sonargaon, he emphasized a renewed commitment to constitutional principles.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Justice Ahmed highlighted that the civic awakening of July 2024 urged Bangladesh to reevaluate its constitutional framework, underscoring that the rule of law is a fundamental moral architecture ensuring legitimacy. This event was organized by the Centre for Governance Studies, led by its president Zillur Rahman, and included speeches from Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi.
The Chief Justice noted that during the transitional phase, the Judiciary stood as the only fully operational constitutional organ, tasked with upholding rights and preventing institutional captivity. He referred to the Reform Roadmap introduced in September 2024, which initiated significant judicial renewal, including the first-ever judicial appointment collegium to ensure transparent appointments.
Judicial roadshows conducted nationwide post-reform unveiled a judiciary eager to reclaim its destiny and a legal community re-engaging with its civic duties. The significance of the Masdar Hussain judgment in modern judicial reform was also underscored, with past initiatives acting as constitutional correctives to bolster judicial independence and balance.
Chief Justice Ahmed recounted the Court's role in overturning several "constitutional misadventures," such as attempts to undermine the Supreme Judicial Council and distortions from previous amendments. He cautioned that future administrations might face a dramatically altered constitutional landscape while emphasizing the current Constitution's role as a touchstone of legitimacy.
The basic structure doctrine has guided corrective rulings addressing excesses and distortions within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Chief Justice also highlighted the importance of judicial diplomacy with international entities as a crucial tool for institutional learning amid global disruptions.
He warned of the potential impact of rising seas and climate insecurity on regional borders and security, urging the Judiciary to remain principled yet adaptable as Bangladesh anticipates a reimagined political future.