British High Commissioner holds courtesy call with Chief Justice

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed. The meeting was held at the Chief Justice’s office today (August 19) at noon. During this time, they discussed various aspects of the judiciary. The British High Commissioner congratulated the Chief Justice on his one-year anniversary. He highly appreciated the Chief Justice’s efforts and work plan to achieve institutional independence of the judiciary of Bangladesh in the past one year. At this time, the British High Commissioner described the announcement of the roadmap for judicial reform by the Chief Justice, the issuance of 12-point instructions to bring transparency in the provision of judicial services, the introduction of a capacity test to provide legal aid to the defendants in cases, the formulation of a law for the appointment of judges to the high courts through the Supreme Judicial Appointments Council, the launch of the Supreme Court Helpline for trial seekers, and the development activities to increase the capacity of subordinate courts as effective and timely steps. He said that the strong leadership of the current Chief Justice of Bangladesh will play an important role in establishing good governance and ensuring justice in the country in the coming days. In addition, the British High Commissioner assured that the United Kingdom will provide all-out support to Bangladesh in building a strong judiciary in Bangladesh.