Dhaka: Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the announcement of Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed’s roadmap for judiciary reforms in Bangladesh. Significant progress has been made in the implementation of the roadmap, as noted in a Supreme Court press release today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, who assumed his role as the 25th Chief Justice of Bangladesh on August 11, 2024, initiated a comprehensive reform plan to restore public confidence in the judiciary. In his address on September 21, 2024, he outlined a roadmap focusing on judicial independence, institutional separation, and transparency to ensure meaningful reform in the judiciary.
The reforms included enacting an ordinance for the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary, the creation of a separate Judicial Secretariat, and a 12-point directive for transparency in justice services. The roadmap also emphasized the launch of paper-free proceedings in select benches and the introduction of capacity tests for providing legal aid.
The Chief Justice also prioritized the formulation of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Formation Rules, increasing the number of judges, and launching helplines to improve access to justice. Additionally, international collaborations were facilitated to modernize the justice system.
The roadmap has led to the reconstitution of the Supreme Judicial Council and initiatives to ensure the security of judges and court premises. Moreover, it included the provision of technological resources to subordinate courts, enhancing their operational capacity.
In summary, the reforms have not only brought administrative and technological advancements but also aimed at restoring public confidence in the judiciary, setting the stage for a more efficient, transparent, and accessible justice system in Bangladesh.