A Correspondent:
Khulna: Chief Justice Sayed Refaat Ahmed yesterday said that a separate secretariat is needed for the Supreme Court (SC) to make the judiciary more transparent and accountable through carrying out desired reforms.
As the reform is aimed at making Bangladesh’s judiciary more transparent, accountable, and sus-tainable, the Chief Justice has stressed the urgent need for creation of a separate secretariat for the SC saying that without such change, the desired reforms in the judiciary cannot be achieved.
Speaking to journalists yesterday after the inauguration ceremony of the “Nayakunja’ on the Khulna Judge Court premises, Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed highlighted the longstanding complexities and said currently the judiciary is being run under a dual administrative structure, which is creating significant obstacles to its in transparency and effectiveness.
As the SC does not have its own secretariat, many decisions are not implemented quickly, which has a direct impact on justice-seeking citizens.
He, however, said that a 12-point reform plan is currently underway to modernize, strengthen, and make the judiciary more accountable and sustainable. Once fully implemented, the much-anticipated transformation within the country’s judicial system will take place.
The Chief Justice expressed the hope that these reforms would eliminate existing irregularities, delays, and lack of accountability both inside and outside the courtroom.
He also emphasized that carrying out the reform process is not the sole responsibility of judges or the administration – it requires the combined efforts of the bar, the bench, and the media as well.
Only sincere participation from all parties can help strengthen public trust and build a vigorous, transparent, and justice-based judicial system, he concluded, stating that now is the time for such structural changes to bring stability to the country’s judiciary.
Judges of Khulna Judge Court, President and General Secretary of Khulna Lawyers’ Association, among others, were present.
