CJ calls for integrity, professionalism in judiciary

Judges to uphold the highest standards of integrity, dedication and professionalism in carrying out their judicial duties, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury has urged on Sunday.

Addressing judicial officers of the Dhaka Division at the Supreme Court, he said such commitment is crucial to overcoming existing challenges within the judiciary and ensuring justice for all litigants.

During the meeting, judges raised several key concerns, including the judiciary’s financial independence, increased budgetary allocation, and the urgent need to address shortages of courtrooms, chambers, record rooms, storage facilities and residential accommodation.

Participants included district and sessions judges, metropolitan session’s judges, chief judicial magistrates and chief metropolitan magistrates from across the Dhaka Division. They also underscored the need for infrastructural development, enhanced security for courts and judges, digitization of the judiciary and adequate logistical support.

The Chief Justice said he agreed with the concerns raised by the judicial officers and informed that efforts are underway to strengthen the financial capacity of the judiciary, improve infrastructure, ensure digital transformation, enhance security, expand domestic and overseas training for judges, establish medical centres and day-care facilities in district courts, and introduce speech-to-text software alongside other necessary support systems.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, who attended the programme as special guest, also agreed with the issues raised by judicial officers. He emphasized the need for infrastructure development, financial independence of the judiciary and increased budget allocation for the judicial sector.