Staff Reporter:
Chief Justice of Bangladesh Dr Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has called for deeper global cooperation among constitutional courts to address emerging challenges like climate justice, digital rights, and inequality, while stressing the need for accessible and responsive legal systems for marginalised communities.
He made the remarks during his keynote speech at the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Constitutional Court of Türkiye in Istanbul on Friday.
Congratulating the Turkish judiciary, Justice Refaat praised the court’s commitment to constitutional fidelity and justice. “This celebration is more than a ceremonial landmark—it is a tribute to the enduring principles of constitutionalism and the guardianship of justice,” he said.
Drawing parallels between the judicial experiences of Bangladesh and Türkiye, he noted that despite differing historical and cultural backgrounds, both countries are bound by shared universal aspirations. “If the Constitution as a social contract is to operate meaningfully in the lives of ordinary citizens, then courts must be made more accessible, transparent, and responsive,” he said.
The Chief Justice highlighted Bangladesh’s experience with judicial activism—particularly suo motu interventions and public interest litigations—as a way to expand access to justice for those traditionally excluded from legal processes.
He also underlined the importance of a forward-looking judiciary in the 21st century. “Climate justice, digital rights, data protection, artificial intelligence, and transnational inequality demand a jurisprudence that is both contextually rooted and globally attuned,” he said.
Justice Refaat expressed gratitude to the Turkish judiciary for the invitation and warm hospitality. He emphasised that the visit would strengthen mutual cooperation, especially as Bangladesh undertakes ambitious judicial reforms.
“Let this occasion serve as a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship between our two fraternal nations—and more importantly, as a reaffirmation of our shared judicial calling to defend constitutionalism, protect human dignity, and uphold the rule of law,” he concluded.
