Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has noted that Bangladesh’s legal and constitutional bodies are in the midst of a deliberate and structured transformation. He said lawyers must be ready to face emerging challenges driven by digitalisation, global economic changes, data-centric governance, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

Speaking as the chief guest at an event at the Supreme Court auditorium yesterday, he noted that the legal profession is changing rapidly worldwide and that traditional practices are no longer sufficient. Building a modern, efficient, and people-oriented judiciary now requires continuous training, digital skills, and strong ethical competence.

The programme was organised by the Bangladesh Bar Council to inaugurate its online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) platform for lawyers and the digital BLD. The event was chaired by Bar Council Chairman and Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, with Vice Chairman Zainul Abedin and Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister A M Mahbub Uddin Khokon attending as special guests. Bar Council Secretary Mohammad Kamal Hossain Shikder delivered the welcome speech, while Executive Committee Chairman Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal conducted the event.

The Chief Justice highlighted several reform initiatives taken over the past 16 months to modernise the judiciary, including the Supreme Court helpline, newly launched helpline services in district and divisional courts, two pilot paper-free High Court benches, a digital complaint system, automated cause-list management, a fast-track case processing system, and paper-free family courts. Such initiatives, he said, have expanded access to justice. A transformative Bar is essential to support a reform-driven judiciary.

Describing the digital BLD platform as aligned with the judiciary’s digital transformation, he said it will play a significant role in training oversight, competency standards, and research. An information-driven Bar Council will enhance stability and transparency in the legal profession.

He added that the CPD programme for lawyers is timely and indispensable. When lawyers keep their knowledge updated, the quality of legal arguments improves, court proceedings become more transparent, and valuable court time is saved. As the court’s efficiency increases, case delays are reduced. A well-trained lawyer, he said, is not only an asset to their clients but also a key pillar of an effective justice system.