We must ensure that justice is not delayed: Chief Justice
Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that justice should not be delayed. He said this while addressing a conference titled ‘Judicial Independence and Efficiency’ at a hotel in the capital on Saturday.
The conference was chaired by Senior Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Md. Ashfaqul Islam, and attended by UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liler, Supreme Court judges, and lower court judges.
Paying tribute to the memory of the martyrs of 1971, the Chief Justice said, ‘Whose sacrifice laid the foundation of our independent nation. This month of victory, December, serves as a powerful reminder of their unparalleled courage and dedication.’
Also recalling the strong spirit of the student-led revolution in July-August 2024, he said, ‘The July Revolution was a struggle to overthrow oppression and restore justice, equality and humanity.’
Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed said, ‘These defining moments in our history remind us that the quest for justice is not a fleeting endeavor but a lifelong commitment that forms the foundation of our judicial mission.’
He said, ‘Recently, a litigant approached the Appellate Division bench. The litigant spoke in a shaky voice, breaking down in tears. The litigant narrated his plight due to the delayed trial. Seeing his distress, I assured him that his case would be heard next month. His heartfelt gratitude reminded me that reducing delays in trial is not a mere administrative goal, but a moral imperative. We must ensure that justice is not delayed.’
The Chief Justice said, ‘I was acutely aware of the immense responsibility that rests on my shoulders upon taking oath as the 25th Chief Justice of the country. The solemn trust placed in the judiciary, ensuring justice for all, has led to various steps being taken to address the challenges. On September 21, in the presence of judges from across the country, I unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for judicial reforms. This initiative is a cornerstone of my vision to strengthen our judiciary and its ability to serve the people with integrity and efficiency.’
He said, ‘As part of my strong commitment to institutional reforms and strengthening the independence of the judiciary, I have taken decisive steps to lay the foundation for true separation of powers. I have announced and initiated the process of creating a separate secretariat for the judiciary, which is an important step to ensure the administrative autonomy of the judiciary. In addition, I have proposed to the government to form a Judicial Appointments Council to institutionalize transparency and competency in the appointment process of Supreme Court judges.’
Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed said, ‘Recognizing the critical importance of access to justice, a capacity test has been introduced for legal aid services. The Supreme Court Registry has been directed to comply with 12-point guidelines. I have directed the establishment of a helpline so that citizens can easily access legal information services in the system. So that transparency and efficiency are ensured.’
The Chief Justice said, ‘The independence of the judiciary must be complemented by efficiency. We are keenly aware of the challenges posed by case backlog, delays and procedural inefficiencies. A multi-pronged approach is needed to address these challenges, which combines innovation, diligence and foresight.’
He said, ‘We are working to streamline the case management process. We are using technology to make the functioning of the courts more efficient and transparent. Digitalization is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. By integrating modern tools and technology, we are committed to reducing delays, increasing transparency and providing more seamless services to litigants.’
The Chief Justice said, ‘UNDP plays a crucial role as a catalyst in this regard. UNDP can further support capacity-building programmes, technological advancements and policy development tailored to the unique needs of the judiciary. By enhancing cooperation, providing innovative solutions and ensuring sustainable implementation, our development partners, together with UNDP, can empower us to overcome the challenges and build a justice system that stands as a beacon of fairness, accessibility and efficiency for all.’
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