‘Historic turning point’: SC Secretariat begins operations

Bangladesh on Thursday marked what the Chief Justice described as a “historic turning point” for judicial independence as the long-awaited Supreme Court Secretariat formally came into operation, ending decades of reliance on the executive for administrative functions.

Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed inaugurated the new Secretariat at Administrative Building-4 on the Supreme Court premises.

Earlier in the day, he also opened a dedicated Supreme Court Helpline Centre on the second floor of the court’s main building.

Speaking at the inauguration, the chief justice said the launch of the secretariat fulfilled a “long-held dream” for an independent judicial administration.

“Today’s success has been possible through the coordinated cooperation and efforts of all of us,” he said.

With the secretariat now in place, he added, the constitutional authority to administer justice had been “fully vested” in the Supreme Court. “From today, just as we will enjoy its success, the responsibility for its failure will also fall on us.”

CJ Refaat Ahmed urged political actors and all stakeholders to ensure that the secretariat’s journey – and the rule of law more broadly – continues “unbroken” in the years ahead.

Among those present were Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, Supreme Court Registrar General Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee (now also senior secretary of the new Secretariat), Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Bar Council Vice Chairman Advocate Zainul Abedin, judges of both divisions of the Supreme Court, ambassadors, UNDP representatives and members of the legal community.

The Secretariat was established following the issuance of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025 on 30 November – a measure that formally separates the judiciary from the executive.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs later issued a gazette entrusting overall authority to the Chief Justice.

On 1 December, the chief justice assigned the registrar general to serve as the acting secretary of the secretariat until further orders.

Under the ordinance, the secretary enjoys the status of a senior secretary to the government and supervises all secretariat staff.

A total of 489 posts have already been created, including 107 officers and 382 support staff, as part of the Secretariat’s organisational structure.