Regional seminar on Judicial Independence and Efficiency Held in Rangpur

The sixth Regional Seminar on Judicial Independence and Efficiency, organised by the Bangladesh Supreme Court and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was held today, 05 April, in Rangpur.

It brought together senior judiciary members, legal experts, and development partners to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the justice system.
 
Honourable Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, the Chief Guest, attended the event. In his remarks, he emphasised the foundational role of judicial independence in upholding the rule of law. "Judicial reform is no longer a distant aspiration; it is unfolding now. Over the past eight months, we have taken bold and transformative steps to ensure true judicial independence, including establishing autonomous judicial bodies, digital innovation, and people-centric services. The judiciary must be the architect of its reform—transparent, accountable, and free from executive influence," said Honourable Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed.
 
"I deeply value the strategic partnership with UNDP, whose continued support has been instrumental in advancing this reform agenda across the country," the Chief Justice added.
 
Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, attended as a Special Guest. She reiterated the UK's commitment to justice sector reform and inclusive governance.
"An independent and efficient judiciary is vital for the rule of law and the foundation upon which the rights and freedoms of individuals rest. It is more important than ever as Bangladesh charts the pathway to a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous future. The Chief Justice's roadmap is timely and transformative, offering a strategic vision that responds to citizens' aspirations for a fair, timely, and accessible justice system," said Sarah Cooke.
 
Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh's resident representative, delivered the Welcome Remarks. He highlighted UNDP's long-standing partnership in supporting judicial reform in Bangladesh.
"The divisional seminars ensure an inclusive reform process by engaging judges across Bangladesh. @UNDP is proud to be part of this journey, building on over a decade of collaboration with the Supreme Court. Our support spans justice service delivery, digitalisation, case backlog reduction, court administration, and access to justice for vulnerable communities," said Stefan Liller.
 
Justice Zafor Ahmed, Honourable Judge of the High Court Division, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, delivered special remarks, stressing the urgency of institutional autonomy for long-term judicial development.
 
Md. Muajjem Hussain, Special Officer, Bangladesh Supreme Court, delivered a presentation on the proposed framework of the "Independent Supreme Court Secretariat," underscoring its potential to enhance the judiciary's administrative and financial autonomy.
 
The regional seminar series continues to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration to advance judicial excellence in Bangladesh.