Respect for judiciary a prerequisite

Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah, who is carrying out responsibilities of the chief justice (CJ), yesterday said establishing the rule of law is a precondition for a democratic state, and to establish that, an environment has to be ensured where the judiciary enjoys the utmost respect.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a certificate distribution ceremony organised by Bangladesh Bar Council at the Officers' Club in the capital.

“Where the rule of law collapses, autocracy rises there,” said Justice Wahhab.

As per the Constitution, the responsibility of establishing the rule of law has been bestowed upon the Supreme Court and the role of the Bar is equally important in this regard, he said.

He said a strong and cooperative Bar is undoubtedly the most effective friend of the court.

“Bar trains a justice who later becomes a custodian of the temple of justice”, he said.

Justice Wahhab Miah said the judiciary is still honoured in the society and people resort to the court for justice.

Citizens from all strata of life go to court to settle dispute and to seek redress against the authorities, even the government, for protecting their rights, he said.

Justice Wahhab said there is no alternative to information and communication technology for reformation of case management and efficient service delivery.

The speed of work can be increased several folds by using the information technology, he said, adding that the Judiciary had already made some progress in digitisation of the justice delivery system.

He said the government had already taken a mega project, “e-Judiciary”, for ensuring maximum use of information technology in the courts. Coordinated efforts of lawyers and justice-seekers must be continued for implementing the project, said the justice.

Justice Wahhab said the judges and lawyers will have to play a pioneering role in establishing peace in the society by punishing the bad elements and protecting the good persons.

The relation between the lawyers and judges are like two feathers of a bird, two wheels of a vehicle, two arms, two eyes and two legs of a person. For ensuring justice both lawyers and judges would have to work in unison, which will speed up judicial administration and face the challenges in disposal of cases, he added.

Law Minister Anisul Huq said the Bar council certificates should be given on the basis of talent for the greater interest of the lawyers and dignity of the law profession.

Bangladesh Bar Council's Vice Chairman Abdul Baset Majumder presided over the function where Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain of the Appellate Division, SC judges, and Attorney General Mahbubey Alam were present among others.