Will ensure justice for every citizen: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government wants to ensure justice for all with quick disposal of court cases to establish transparency and accountability in the country.

"We want every citizen of the country to get justice," she said yesterday.

The prime minister said this while addressing the inaugural session of the 59th Annual Council of Bangladesh Judicial Service Association at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).

Hasina said the government is working tirelessly to ensure the well-being of people -- for a bright and secure future.

"Let us ensure the rule of law for the people of Bangladesh, so they can have a better life. We will establish Bangladesh that was dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she said.

The premier said in order to protect the safety and welfare of the people, the parliament has passed laws and made changes to them, which the judges utilise to ensure justice for all.

"Since I am in power, I will do whatever is necessary for the development of the judiciary system," she said.

She stated that her government established special tribunals to handle cases brought under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

"If anti-terrorism cases are disposed of quickly, those who are engaged in terrorism will shun the acts," she said.

The PM said that terrorism and militancy have changed because of new technologies, and that technology is now being used to commit crimes.

"We passed a law to stop cyber crimes. Many people have said many things about it, but the fact is that the law is necessary for us because cybercrime is on the rise," she said.

She similarly said that the frequency of crimes against women and children would drop if trials involving such cases were prioritised and carried out promptly.

A total of 1,227 judges have been appointed to the lower courts since 2009, and another 200 are currently being recruited, she said, bringing dynamism to the judicial system.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, Law Secretary Md Golam Sarwar, and Bangladesh Judicial Service Association President AHM Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan also spoke at the programme.

A documentary on judicial service was screened at the event.