2025, a new era for the judiciary

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has expressed optimism that 2025 will mark a new beginning for the judiciary in Bangladesh, following the implementation of reforms outlined in the roadmap he announced on September 21, 2024.

"The chief justice expressed his hope that in 2025, the judiciary of Bangladesh will be completely free from the influence of the executive and enjoy the benefits of its institutional independence and thus, by devoting itself to the service of the people as an independent organ of the state, the judiciary will be able to fulfill the aspirations of the people of July-August revolution of 2024," a Supreme Court press release said yesterday.

The chief justice revealed that a comprehensive action plan for judicial reform will be adopted by 2025.

Significant strides have already been made toward this goal, including the establishment of a separate secretariat for the judiciary, the formation of an independent council for the appointment of SC judges, and the development of transfer and posting policies for subordinate court judges.

Furthermore, following the resolution of the review petition concerning the constitution's 16th amendment, the Supreme Judicial Council of Bangladesh has been reconstituted under the chief justice's leadership and is currently functioning at full capacity.

According to the SC press release, the chief justice has already taken various initiatives to ensure transparency and accountability of judicial services for the litigants by eliminating all forms of corruption from the judiciary as soon as possible.