Final regional seminar in Barishal boosts judicial reform roadmap
The final regional seminar on judicial independence and efficiency concluded today in Barishal, marking the culmination of a year-long nationwide dialogue led by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed to advance Bangladesh's Judiciary Reform Roadmap.
Organised by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and development partners, the seminar brought together judges, legal practitioners, ambassadors and international partners to reflect on progress and chart the path ahead.
Chief Justice Refaat Ahmed, speaking as chief guest, said reforms were beginning to restore people's confidence: "With the Supreme Judicial Appointment Council now in place, judicial independence is no longer a distant aspiration—it is becoming a lived reality."
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Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury reaffirmed commitment to high standards of conduct, while UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller described the Reform Roadmap as a "widely supported manifesto for transformation."
Development partners, including the EU, Sweden, Norway and the UK, reiterated their support, emphasising transparency, efficiency, fairness and people-centred reforms as key to building public trust and boosting investor confidence.
As Bangladesh moves forward, initiatives such as court-user hotlines, transparent disciplinary systems, specialisations in courts and enhanced media engagement are expected to strengthen judicial independence, efficiency and public trust.
