Dhaka: Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury announced today that proactive steps would be taken to tackle the backlog of cases in courts by adopting technological measures. He shared these remarks while speaking at a reception organized by the Attorney General’s Office and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) at the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Justice called on lawyers to maintain the dignity and sanctity of the legal profession both within court settings and beyond. He also emphasized the need for ensuring the security of judges, lawyers, and litigants. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of professional development and urged SCBA leaders and various bar associations to regularly conduct training programs for lawyers.
Additional Attorney General Mohammad Arshadur Rouf, during his speech, pointed out that the court serves as the ultimate refuge for people’s hopes and aspirations. He noted that during past autocratic rule, justice was often elusive, with injustice prevailing instead. Rouf remarked that over the last fifteen years, the judiciary had been politicized and misused for political purposes.
Rouf further stated that political wrongdoing had become institutionalized through the judiciary’s misuse, leading to a failure in delivering justice. He highlighted that corruption had infiltrated the judiciary, causing unjustified delays in verdicts and creating a crisis within the system. This, he said, resulted in a loss of public trust and independence in the judiciary.
SCBA President Barrister AM Mahbubuddin Khokon addressed the Chief Justice, emphasizing the necessity of keeping the judiciary separate from politics and free from syndicates. He stressed the importance of aligning the judiciary with the hopes and aspirations of the new generation to build a future Bangladesh.
Khokon expressed confidence in the Chief Justice’s ability to ensure an independent judiciary free from external influences. He urged efforts to protect citizens’ constitutional rights, eliminate case disposal delays, and establish justice. Khokon also called for the dismantling of syndicates and the eradication of corruption within the judiciary.
He highlighted the nation’s journey towards positive change through mass uprisings and judicial reforms, pledging the Supreme Court Bar Association’s support to the Chief Justice in efforts to rebuild the country and reform the judiciary.
The event was attended by judges from both divisions of the Supreme Court, senior lawyers, journalists, and Supreme Court officials.