Supreme Court Bar chief calls for special HC bench to fast-track trials in violence against women and children cases

President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon has called for the formation of a special bench in the High Court Division to expedite trials in all high-profile cases under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, including the rape and murder of child Ramisa.

He also urged the government to appoint more justices to the High Court to reduce the massive case backlog.

Speaking to reporters at the Supreme Court premises today (24 May), the Noakhali-1 lawmaker said delays in police investigations and judicial proceedings must be addressed to ensure speedy justice.

"People's past experience is that trials take years to conclude. Justice must be delivered quickly," Khokon said.

"Speedy trials are not unlawful – rather, prolonged delays are what people see negatively."

He expressed frustration over lengthy delays in appeal hearings after convictions in lower courts.

"If someone is sentenced and the case reaches the Appellate Division, no one knows how many years it will take for the appeal to be heard. That is why people are not convinced by government assurances alone," he said.

Calling on the chief justice, Khokon said special benches should be formed to hear sensitive cases involving violence against women and children.

"If special benches are formed, appeals will be disposed of faster, and the public will be able to see that justice has been served," he said.

Highlighting the shortage of judges in the higher courts, Khokon said the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has become "almost stagnant."

He added that in many cases where bail is granted by the High Court and later stayed by a chamber judge, hearings do not take place again for seven to eight years.

"The responsibility lies with the government because there is no law governing judicial appointments. The government cannot continue at this pace," he said.

"When justice is delayed because of long case queues, it creates room for corruption. At least two or three benches should be operational in the Appellate Division, and judges must be appointed accordingly without delay."

Referring to the recent rape and murder of child Ramisa, Khokon said the brutal incident had deeply shocked the nation.

"The entire nation feels disgraced by this brutal, shameless and horrifying incident. As lawyers, our hearts are bleeding too," he said.

He also commented on the recent decision by the Dhaka Bar Association not to represent the accused in the Ramisa rape and murder case.

"They (Dhaka Bar) may take such a decision if they wish. But every individual has the legal right to defend themselves, and a lawyer also has the right to take up a case," he said.

"If, after legal defence, the accused's conviction is upheld, then there remains no doubt about the justice delivered.