UNDP and Supreme Court holds regional seminar on judicial independence in Khulna
A regional seminar on judicial independence and efficiency was held in Khulna on Saturday as part of an ongoing collaboration between the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reaffirming national and international commitment to justice sector reform and the establishment of commercial courts.
The event brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the nationwide impact of ongoing judicial reforms and to explore next steps toward a more transparent, independent, and efficient judiciary.
Dr Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, Honourable Chief Justice of Bangladesh, attended as chief guest. In his address, he said, "The quest for justice is not a fleeting endeavour; it is the lifeblood of our collective commitment. Each reform we champion strengthens the foundation of a judiciary that is fair, fearless, and future-ready."
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He added, "What we are building today is not just for us. The road ahead demands courage, conviction, and collaboration. We have proven that when we align, no goal is too ambitious."
Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, delivered opening remarks, noting the UNDP's broader support for good governance in Bangladesh. "UNDP's support for justice reform is part of our wider commitment to advancing key reforms in Bangladesh. We've worked closely with reform commissions and the UN system to support national election preparations," he said.
He also referenced the recent Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, jointly supported by UNDP, BIDA and BEZA, and praised the growing interest in establishing commercial courts.
Ambassador Nicolas Weeks of Sweden underscored the connection between justice and sustainable development, stating, "Judicial independence and efficiency are key to peace, justice, and strong institutions. Sweden is proud to support Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen its justice sector."
Ambassador Michael Miller, Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, said, "We fully support Bangladesh's judicial reform efforts, which are crucial for enhancing governance, upholding human rights, and restoring public trust in institutions."
He added, "We are about to launch a new project to support the digitalisation of services under the National Legal Aid Services Organization. This will make justice more transparent and accessible, particularly in rural areas."
Justice Mohammad Ali, Honourable Judge of the High Court Division, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Romana Schweiger, Senior Rule of Law, Justice and Security Advisor at UNDP Bangladesh, also spoke at the event.
The day-long seminar featured technical sessions on reform roadmaps and interactive group discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions to strengthen judicial service delivery and independence.
