Staff Reporter :
Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed on Saturday underscored the urgent need for the judiciary in Bangladesh to spearhead its own reform—ensuring transparency, accountability, and independence from executive influence.
Addressing the sixth regional seminar on “Judicial Independence and Efficiency” in Rangpur, the Chief Justice declared that judicial reform in Bangladesh is no longer a distant goal but an ongoing, transformative reality, reports UNB.
“Over the past eight months, we have taken bold steps toward ensuring true judicial independence, including the creation of autonomous judicial bodies, digital innovations, and people-centric services,” he said.
He also praised the strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), crediting its continued support as instrumental in advancing the judiciary’s reform agenda nationwide.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, echoed the importance of an independent and efficient judiciary, calling it the bedrock of the rule of law and essential for the rights and freedoms of individuals. “This is especially crucial as Bangladesh moves toward a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous future,” she said.
Cooke expressed the UK’s firm commitment to supporting justice sector reforms and inclusive governance, noting that the Chief Justice’s roadmap is both timely and transformative.
The seminar, jointly organised by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and UNDP, brought together senior members of the judiciary, legal experts, and development partners to foster dialogue and promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the justice system.
In his welcome address, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller emphasized the organisation’s long-standing support for judicial reform in Bangladesh.
“Our partnership spans more than a decade and includes work in justice service delivery, digitalisation, reducing case backlogs, court administration, and access to justice for vulnerable communities,” Liller said.
