CJ calls for more tribunal buildings in divisional cities, greater use of technology

Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury on Saturday called for the urgent construction of adequate tribunal buildings in every divisional city and maximum use of information technology in judicial proceedings to ensure speedy and effective justice.

He made the call while addressing members of the Bangladesh Judicial Service working in Sylhet division at an event in Sylhet city.

Judicial officers from Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar and Sunamganj highlighted various challenges facing the subordinate courts, including shortages of judges and support staff and infrastructural constraints.

The Chief Justice assured them that effective steps would be taken to address the problems.

Emphasising the need to increase the number of tribunals in divisional cities, Justice Zubayer said adequate tribunal buildings should be constructed in every division on an urgent basis.

He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure maximum use of information technology in appropriate areas of judicial proceedings, particularly for recording evidence and producing accused persons before courts. He assured the officials of necessary cooperation from the Supreme Court in this regard.

The Chief Justice also stressed the importance of making the best use of the prescribed working hours of courts. He directed judges not to leave their workplaces without permission from the competent authority.

Emphasising strict adherence to the law and judicial standards, Justice Zubayer said ensuring speedy and orderly justice for litigants was the principal objective of the judiciary.

He urged judges in Sylhet division to discharge their responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, dedication and professionalism to achieve that objective.

During the programme, judicial officers from different levels of the Sylhet division shared their professional experiences, expectations and views on various aspects of conducting proceedings in subordinate courts.

The Chief Judicial Magistrates/Chief Metropolitan Magistrate and Senior District and Sessions Judges of the four districts also spoke at the event. They highlighted their experiences and views on ensuring speedy and effective judicial services, expediting case disposal, enhancing professional competence and excellence in judicial proceedings, and strengthening public confidence in the judiciary.

Justice Md Atabullah, in charge of Sylhet division of the Monitoring Committee for Subordinate Courts, and Supreme Court Registrar General Md Habibur Rahman Siddiqui, among other judicial officials, attended the programme.