Chief justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Saturday underscored the need for a specialised and independent prosecution service, stating that flawed investigations and inadequate prosecutions remain significant barriers to justice in the country.
Speaking at a regional seminar on 鈥楯udicial Independence and Efficiency鈥� in Rajshahi, the chief justice pointed out that poorly prepared cases and insufficient evidence frequently lead to low conviction rates, depriving victims of justice and eroding public trust.
鈥榃ithout a specialised and independent prosecution service, the integrity of the justice system is undermined, and public confidence in its fairness is weakened,鈥� the chief justice said.
He stressed the need for prosecutors to evolve beyond being perceived as mere state agents and instead become integral partners in the justice system.
Their role is pivotal in ensuring both the rights of the accused and the interests of society, the chief justice added.
Highlighting the ongoing judicial reforms, the chief justice revealed that the Supreme Court had submitted a proposal for the formation of a Supreme Court Secretariat, which is currently under government review.
鈥楳y dedicated team within the Supreme Court Registry, in collaboration with the Law and Justice Division, is actively working on finalising the Secretariat鈥檚 organisational structure and defining its functions,鈥� he stated.
The chief justice also emphasised the urgent need for clear rules governing the transfer and promotion of district judiciary members.
鈥榃e are developing a comprehensive set of benchmarks to create a fit list for key judicial positions, such as District Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate, and Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. These measures aim to establish a stable, merit-driven judicial system that reflects our commitment to excellence and integrity,鈥� he said.
He noted that the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance was passed on January 21, 2025鈥攋ust four months after he first presented the judicial reform road map on September 21, 2024, after resuming his office.
The swift enactment, he said, demonstrates the judiciary鈥檚 determination and the support of key stakeholders in ensuring a transparent, merit-based appointment process in the higher judiciary.
The chief justice further highlighted the judiciary鈥檚 pressing needs, including housing, security, infrastructure development, budget allocation, and technology integration.
He acknowledged the role of development partners, particularly the United Nations Development Programme Bangladesh, in supporting judicial reforms.
He expressed gratitude to UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, Assistant Resident Representative Anowarul Haq, and Senior Rule of Law, Justice and Security Adviser Romana Schweiger for their contributions towards advancing the reform agenda.
Additionally, he commended the Supreme Court Special Committee for Judicial Reform, led by Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and comprising Justice Farah Mahbub, Justice Zafor Ahmed, and Justice Mohammad Ali, for their efforts in strengthening the judicial system.
The seminar in Rajshahi marked the third of its kind, following similar sessions in Sylhet and Chattogram, aimed at engaging judicial officers and stakeholders in discussions on judicial efficiency and independence.
