Chief Justice outlines plans for overall judicial development

Newly appointed Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury said he has planned to take necessary steps to reduce the mounting backlog of cases and ensure the overall development of the judiciary, with particular emphasis on improving district-level infrastructure.

Speaking at a reception organised by the Attorney General’s Office and the Supreme Court Bar Association on Sunday (4 January), the Chief Justice said the formation of a judicial secretariat marked the beginning of a journey towards establishing an independent judiciary. “I am planning to take measures that will contribute to the overall development of the judiciary, especially at the district level,” he said.

The reception was held at Courtroom No 1 of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. Additional Attorney General Mohammad Arshadur Rauf, currently in charge of the Attorney General’s Office, delivered the written address, followed by remarks from Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon. Judges of both divisions of the Supreme Court, senior lawyers and court officials were also present.

Referring to the roadmap announced by outgoing Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, Chief Justice Chowdhury said he intended to work in line with it, though amendments and refinements might be made where necessary.

He said steps were being planned to reduce case backlogs and to ensure the safety and welfare of judges, lawyers and justice-seekers who come to the courts in quest of justice.

The Chief Justice also called on the Bangladesh Bar Council and the Supreme Court Bar Association to take responsible roles in enhancing the professional standards and competence of lawyers.

Stressing the need to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the legal profession, he urged lawyers to maintain professional conduct both inside and outside court, in accordance with the Bangladesh Supreme Court (High Court Division) Rules, 1973, and the Bangladesh Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Order and Rules, 1973. He noted with concern that these provisions were frequently being violated.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Chief Justice Chowdhury sought cooperation from all stakeholders in carrying out his duties. “Let us all work together to make this country a better place to live, so that future generations can move forward in peace and prosperity,” he said.

In his address, Additional Attorney General Mohammad Arshadur Rauf said the courts were the final and safest refuge for people’s hopes and aspirations, but during the previous autocratic rule, oppressed and helpless citizens were often denied justice.

He alleged that over the past 15 years the judiciary had been politicised and, in many cases, used as a tool of political wrongdoing. Calling for a “cleansing drive”, he said corruption must be eradicated from all levels of the judiciary.

Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon said false cases must be stopped to reduce case backlogs and stressed the need to keep the judiciary free from political influence and syndication.

Expressing expectations from the Chief Justice, he said the legal community hoped the judiciary would be made fully independent, constitutional and fundamental rights safeguarded, delays in case disposal reduced, justice ensured and discrimination addressed at all levels of society.

Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, the country’s 25th Chief Justice, retired on 27 December. President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury as the 26th Chief Justice on 23 December, and he formally assumed office after taking the oath on 28 December.