CJ should take reform initiative

Law Adviser Mainul Hosein yesterday said the chief justice should take the initiative to bring about reforms in the highest court.
"The rot starts from the head of a fish… If reform doesn't take place from the apex court, the current efforts to ensure justice, good governance and the rule of law will be a futile exercise," he told the 57th annual conference of Bangladesh Judicial Service Association at Osmani Memorial Hall in the capital.
The adviser said the government is well aware of the necessity of reforms at the highest level of judiciary. 'If the chief justice takes steps, we'll readily extend cooperation."
He said democracy and good governance cannot be restored through mere free and fair elections as it requires a new trend of politics and new leadership.
The adviser urged the judges to practise judicial activism the way it is done in the developed countries for quick dispensation of justice.
He said the judges will also have to redeem the people's confidence in the judiciary through their wisdom in justice delivery system.
About the association's demand for 50 percent appointment of the higher court judges from district judges, Mainul said the government will look into the matter.
Supreme Court Registrar Iketdar Ahmed in his speech dismissed the allegation that he had given postings of the newly recruited judicial magistrates by abusing power.