Take action against corrupt judges, rise above politics: Chief justice in farewell address

Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed has called for strict action against corrupt and dishonest judges, saying the tendency to shift blame for injustices committed within the judiciary must end. He urged judges to shoulder full responsibility to ensure swift and fair justice for the people.

The chief justice made the remarks today (14 December) in his farewell address to district judges, metropolitan sessions judges, chief judicial magistrates and chief metropolitan magistrates at the Supreme Court auditorium. The programme was organised ahead of his retirement on 27 December, as he reaches the constitutional age limit of 67.

"The separate secretariat of the Supreme Court and the independence of the judiciary must be established as the principal guardians of all constitutional rights of the people of this country," he said.

Speaking on judges' posting, the chief justice cautioned against political appeasement in pursuit of preferred postings. "Although law is part of broader politics, judges must cultivate the practice of rising above politics," Dr Refat urged.

"If the judiciary merely maintains a favourable environment for the ruling elite, there would be no need for a separate judicial existence—the executive branch and the police would suffice. Regardless of the ideology underpinning the state's constitutional foundation, judges must work with integrity and prudence," he observed.

On appointments and transfers, Refaat Ahmed said the absence of a clear policy had enabled undue interference in judicial independence. He noted that a proposal for a transfer and posting policy for judges had been made, but it had yet to be implemented as control and disciplinary functions remain with the executive.

He expressed hope that proper implementation of Section 7 of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025, along with the issuance of the relevant gazette notification, would significantly reduce deprivation and discrimination in judicial postings and transfers.

The chief justice also underscored the need for merit-based promotions and proposed the formation of a "Superior Selection Board" for promotions from the rank of joint district judge and above, which would also facilitate the preparation of a "fit list" for appointing district judges and chief judicial magistrates as heads of institutions.

Addressing the issue of case backlogs, the chief justice noted that, despite limited manpower and inadequate infrastructure, judges have disposed of an astonishing number of cases, though this inevitably raises concerns about quality. To balance both disposal rates and the quality of justice, he said initiatives were taken to create additional judicial posts.

He thanked the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for framing the Bangladesh Judicial Service Formation Rules 2025, under which 232 district judge–equivalent posts were created, leading to the unprecedented promotion of 826 judges at one time. He added that around 70 more judicial posts may be created under the proposed Commercial Courts Ordinance to further ease the case-to-judge ratio.

In his final address, Syed Refaat Ahmed also reflected on the reform initiatives he undertook after assuming office. "For one and a half years, I have relentlessly struggled to ensure the judiciary attains full capacity to protect the constitutional rights of the people," he said. "What happens to these reform measures after my departure is beyond my control. Their sustainability will depend on your principles and sense of responsibility," he added.