Separate secretariat must for judicial independence: CJ

According to Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, the establishment of a separate secretariat within the Supreme Court is essential to guaranteeing the judiciary’s institutional independence.

“A judiciary can only effectively fulfill its responsibilities when institutional independence is ensured through establishing of an independent Judicial Secretariat,” he said.

At today’s Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium, the Chief Justice was speaking at an Iftar program hosted by the Bangladesh Law Association.

According to Dr. Refaat Ahmed, the judiciary’s independence is crucial to the long-term viability of the interim government’s reform programs.

“The Association, consisting of former students of DU law department, has a significant responsibility to advance judicial reforms with expertise and institutional connections,” the Chief Justice said, underscoring the significance of the Bangladesh Law Association in the legal changes.

“The Association’s members, with their intellectual capacity, legal proficiency, and deep institutional links, can play a vital role in the reform process to make an accountable judiciary,” he added.

He also expressed hope that Bangladesh Law Association would actively engage in discussions with stakeholders, provide consultations on various policy issues, and contribute to the unification of legal professionals to help implement judicial reform proposals.

The coming days would be crucial for achieving institutional autonomy for the judiciary, and the Association could significantly help implementing the roadmap, the Chief Justice said.

In attendance were Supreme Court Registrar General Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, Secretary to the Law Ministry Sheikh Abu Taher, former Appellate Division Justice Mirza Hossain Haider, and Appellate Division judges Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam, Justice Md. Rezaul Haque, and Justice SM Emdadul Hoque.

Advocate Monir Hossain, convener of the Bangladesh Law Association, oversaw the program, while Md. Kamal Hossain, member secretary, oversaw the occasion.