Staff Reporter:
The interim government’s Advisory Council has given policy approval to the draft of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025, paving the way for the Supreme Court to gain full authority over the transfer, posting, promotion, and disciplinary matters of lower court judges — powers that currently rest with the Ministry of Law.
The approval came at a meeting of the Advisory Council held on Thursday at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
Briefing reporters later at the Foreign Service Academy, Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul and the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam detailed the decisions taken at the meeting.
Asif Nazrul said once the ordinance is finally approved, the Supreme Court will have complete control over all administrative and disciplinary matters concerning subordinate judiciary. “The Supreme Court will also have its own budget and financial management system, ensuring its financial independence,” he added.
He said the proposed ordinance was discussed at length in the meeting, and members felt the need for further consultation on certain aspects, particularly those involving financial implications.
“Opinions from the Finance Adviser and the Ministry of Public Administration will be sought before placing the ordinance again for final approval,” he added.
The council also approved the draft of the Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, which will empower the ACC to investigate corruption offences committed by both local and foreign nationals while staying in Bangladesh, even if the offence occurred abroad.
