Online Desk  :  Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed said there is no alternative to establishing an independent prosecution service and a Supreme Court Secretariat to institutionalize the independence of the judiciary. According to a Banglanews24.com report, the Chief Justice made this statement as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Supreme Court and UNDP on Saturday at the Grand River View Hotel in Rajshahi. The seminar focused on ensuring judicial independence and improving the efficiency of judicial service delivery.

The Chief Justice said that the proposed Supreme Court Secretariat would foster transparency in judicial policy formulation and implementation, ensure adequate budget allocations, support infrastructure development, and oversee the transfer and promotion of judges. He underscored the judiciary’s crucial role in ensuring justice and the rule of law while outlining the progress in the implementation of the judicial reform roadmap. He highlighted a recent ordinance regarding the appointment of High Court judges. In his address, the Chief Justice stressed the significance of an independent prosecution service and the Supreme Court Secretariat, stating that weak investigations and unprofessional prosecution are major barriers to justice in Bangladesh. He urged the need for training and skill enhancement for prosecutors to ensure they effectively uphold justice.

Syed Refaat Ahmed said that a dedicated secretariat would reinforce the institutional independence and autonomy of the judiciary, adding that the proposed secretariat would bring transparency to judicial processes and support the effective execution of judicial policies. Md. Ashfaqul Islam, Senior Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, presided over the seminar. Judicial officers from various districts in the Rajshahi Division attended the seminar. In his welcome speech, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller praised the Chief Justice’s roadmap for judicial reform, calling it a timely initiative toward achieving the institutional independence of Bangladesh’s judiciary. He also assured that as a development partner, UNDP would support the country’s efforts in modernizing the judiciary during this pivotal moment.