Staff Reporter:
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that they want to leave behind a legacy where people will say that Bangladesh’s judiciary did not merely deliver verdicts, but ensured true justice.
He made the remark on Wednesday (14 May) afternoon while addressing a discussion titled “The Role of Legal Aid in Ensuring Justice” at the Supreme Court auditorium. The event was organised by the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee to mark National Legal Aid Day.
Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque presided over the event.
Among others, Appellate Division Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, Supreme Court Registrar General Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan, Director of National Legal Aid Services Organisation Syed Azad Subhani, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Barrister A M Mahbub Uddin Khokon, and Member Secretary of the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee Assistant Attorney General A M Zamiul Haque Faisal also spoke at the programme.
The Chief Justice said, “The path we have embarked upon is not without challenges. However, I am deeply inspired by the response from the judiciary across the country. I have travelled to all seven divisions, including Dhaka, to deliver an urgent message about judicial reform. I have urged judges, magistrates, and members of the legal profession to embrace this shared responsibility as their own.”
He said that development partners are also supporting this journey. “Since December last year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been closely involved in our reform process. The European Union, United Kingdom, Sweden, and other partners have provided not only technical assistance but also moral support. Their belief in our vision has further strengthened our commitment.”
The Chief Justice emphasised that the focus of their work must be on the citizens of Bangladesh, particularly those in remote areas who wait in hope for justice. “On this Legal Aid Day, I urge government officials, lawyers, judges, the media, and development partners to renew their commitment to a people-centric justice system.”
In his speech, the Chief Justice also announced the introduction of a helpline—similar to that of the Supreme Court—to eliminate irregularities and barriers in judicial services in all lower courts and tribunals across the country, and to ensure access to justice and the free flow of legal information.
He said initiatives are underway to make helpline services operational in all 64 districts and 8 metropolitan areas. Through this, justice seekers will be able to lodge complaints immediately.
