Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed addressed a regional seminar today on Judicial Independence and Efficiency in Bangladesh, which was held in Rajshahi. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 01, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed put emphasis on forming an Independent Prosecution Service and establishing a Supreme Court Secretariat to institutionalize the independence of country's judiciary.

He said this while addressing a regional seminar on Judicial Independence and Efficiency in Bangladesh, jointly organized by the Bangladesh Supreme Court and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Rajshahi today, a press release of the Supreme Court said.

The chief justice highlighted the significant role of the judiciary to ensure justice and the rule of law, said the press release issued by Shafiqul Islam, Public Relations Officer of the SC's Appellate Division.

The Chief Justice highlighted the progress of roadmap recently announced for judicial reform. An ordinance for the appointment of High Court judges has been issues, he said laying upmost importance to an independent prosecution service and SC Secretariat.

Weak investigation and unprofessional prosecution are main barriers to ensure justice in Bangladesh, the Chief Justice said.

He stressed the need for imparting necessary training to enhance the prosecutors’ skill so that they can play effective role in protecting justice.

The Chief Justice reiterated his decision for establishing the SC Secretariat saying an independent secretariat will be helpful for institutional independence and autonomy of the judiciary.

The proposed Supreme Court Secretariat will ensure transparency in the formulation and implementation of judicial policies, adequate budget allocation and infrastructure development, as well as make the transfer and promotion of judges transparent, the Chief Justice said.

A detailed proposal for the formation of a separate SC secretariat has already been sent to the government, he said adding the proposal is now under active consideration of the government, Dr Refaat Ahemd said.

SC Appellate Division Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam presided over the seminar. UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller and Judicial officers working in different districts of Rajshahi Division were present.