Chief justice pledges ‘meaningful reforms’ to strengthen judiciary

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed today (18 December) renewed his commitment to implement meaningful reforms in the judiciary.

"I reaffirm my staunch resolve to implement meaningful reforms and build a judiciary that commands the confidence of the public," he said while addressing a discussion on the occasion of the Supreme Court Day 2024.

The chief justice said trust in the judiciary is not a privilege; it is an obligation that rests upon the very foundation of the democratic principles.

He said on assuming the office of the 25th chief justice of Bangladesh, he took an oath not just to the Constitution but also to the people.

"I pledged to uphold the rule of law, safeguard the dignity of this great institution, and restore public confidence in our justice delivery mechanisms. The weight of this responsibility is not lost upon me. It demands a relentless commitment to reform, transparency, and institutional excellence," he said.

The chief justice said he declared a reform roadmap on 21 September, laying out a blueprint for institutional reform aimed at restoring public trust, ensuring efficiency, and upholding judicial independence.

Noting that one of the cornerstones of this roadmap is the need for institutional autonomy, he said, "A judiciary that lacks administrative and financial independence cannot remain impartial, nor can it deliver justice with the swiftness that society demands."

Refaat Ahmed said he has already forwarded a comprehensive set of short-term proposals to the government, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms in financial independence and administrative autonomy.

"A separate Judicial Secretariat is no longer a mere aspiration; it is an exigent necessity. The judiciary's administrative matters should not remain under the control of the executive," he said.

The Chief Justice proposed the establishment of an Independent Judicial Appointment Council, a body tasked with selecting judges based solely on merit, integrity, and professional excellence.

He said the restoration of the Supreme Judicial Council after the historic disposal of 16th amendment case is of paramount importance. This institution must be empowered to oversee the removal of judges of the apex court, ensuring a fair, independent, and non-political mechanism for judicial accountability, he added.

"By reinstating the Supreme Judicial Council, we reaffirm our commitment to institutional autonomy and safeguard the integrity of the judiciary from undue influence even from the legislative branch of the state," he said.

Mentioning that the members of the district judiciary form the bedrock of the legal system, the Chief Justice said their role in delivering justice at the grassroots level cannot be overstated; frequent and arbitrary transfers disrupt their ability to serve effectively.

"I am committed to implementing structured and merit-based transfer guidelines that will ensure transparency, fairness, and stability within the judiciary. Judicial officers deserve to work with dignity, free from the fear of undue interference," he said.

"The reforms I speak of today are not mere ideals; they are pragmatic measures rooted in the needs of our time," he said

About the commemoration of the establishment of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, the Chief Justice said this day is not merely a date on the calendar, rather it is an emblem of the nation's commitment to justice, equity, and the constitutional principles for which countless sacrifices have been made.

He said the Supreme Court stands as the sentinel of justice, equity, and constitutional governance. "It is our solemn duty to preserve its dignity and worth, and to ensure that it remains the beacon of justice for generations to come," said the Chief Justice.

Justice Ashfaqul Islam, Chair of the Supreme Court Day Celebration Judges Committee, presided over the event, while judges of both the Appellate Division and the High Court Division, leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association and lawyers, among others, were present.