UNDP supports Supreme Court in promoting judicial reforms in Bangladesh
The Supreme Court, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Sweden, organised the first of six divisional-level seminars on judicial independence and efficiency today in Chattogram.
In the seminar, 50 participants, including distinguished judges, advocates, and legal experts discussed critical reforms aimed at strengthening the judiciary as envisaged in the Chief Justice's Reform Roadmap.
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed was present as the chief guest and Justice Farah Mahbub, judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh attended the event as the special guest.
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Both asserted for strengthening judicial independence and efficiency and access to justice for all through legislative changes, better use of information technology and capacity strengthening.
The chief justice said, "Judicial independence ensures that judges make decisions based on the law and their conscience, free from external pressures, and that independence must be complemented by efficiency and accountability."
"The support of development partners like UNDP is crucial to advancing judicial reforms, providing the technical expertise and resources needed to implement transformative changes," he added.
"An independent judiciary is humanity's best hope for justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental rights. A judiciary free from external control is vital for safeguarding public confidence, protecting individual rights, and maintaining constitutional balance," said Justice Farah Mahbub.
In his remarks, Stefan Liller, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, emphasised the long-standing partnership between the Supreme Court and UNDP, which spans over a decade.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts in strengthening judicial systems, enhancing professional capacities, advancing digital innovations, reducing case backlogs, and promoting access to justice for vulnerable communities.
"The judiciary's ability to deliver justice in a fair, independent, and effective manner is critical for upholding the rule of law and building public trust, especially at this pivotal time for Bangladesh. Our support to the judiciary is a cornerstone of UNDP's broader reform initiatives, aimed at ensuring stability, peace, and inclusive development in Bangladesh," said Stefan.
The seminar was part of the Supreme Court's broader reform agenda, with upcoming discussions planned in Sylhet, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, and Barishal.
UNDP will continue to work with the Supreme Court to advance judicial reforms, foster independence, and enhance efficiency to build a more equitable justice system for all Bangladeshi citizens.
