Judiciary must embrace constitutional change as democracy evolves, says chief justice at farewell

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that constitutional change should not be viewed as a threat over time, but must instead be embraced by the judiciary as a democratic reality grounded in public conscience.

Speaking at his farewell reception at Courtroom No 1 of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court today (18 December), the chief justice said the July uprising did not seek to overturn the Constitution; rather, it aimed to correct the nation's relationship with it. "Transparency, accountability and sensitivity have emerged as the core principles of public conscience," he said.

Referring to the uncertain months following the July uprising, he said that the judiciary was the only constitutional organ that remained fully functional and firm during that period. "We ensured, resolutely, that no right would be rendered illusory, no institution would be held captive, and no citizen would be abandoned," he said.

He stressed that the strength of the judiciary does not lie in any single office or individual. "Our strength rests in our collective resolve to deliver justice with integrity, balance and foresight," he added.

The farewell programme followed long-standing tradition and was held on the chief justice's last working day. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman spoke first, highlighting Chief Justice Ahmed's career and judicial philosophy. He said that despite a short tenure, the chief justice had set a distinctive benchmark for the judiciary, which he described as "the Refaet Standard" – a symbol of judicial courage and absolute transparency.

"You assumed office during a season of intense revolution and are departing in a season marked by victory, peace and accountability," the attorney general said, adding that Chief Justice Ahmed embodied a revolutionary spirit in judicial reform.

Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon also addressed the programme, praising the chief justice for safeguarding citizens' constitutional and fundamental rights, reducing case backlogs, and remaining vigilant against discrimination across society.

The Appellate Division courtroom was filled with lawyers, court officials and guests, while judges of both the Appellate and High Court divisions were present at the event.

Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed took oath as the country's 25th chief justice on 11 August last year, following the fall of the Awami League government after the July mass uprising. Under the Constitution, judges retire at the age of 67.

Born on 28 December 1958, Chief Justice Ahmed will reach the retirement age on 27 December. As the day fell on a public holiday, today marked his final working day. As per tradition, farewell receptions were hosted by the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Office of the Attorney General.