Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed said that judicial proceedings are being made more accessible through maximum use of technology, procedural reforms and legal assistance.
He said this while delivering the chief guest speech at a conference titled ‘Judicial Independence and Efficiency’ on Saturday (December 7). The conference was held at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
Presided over by Senior Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liler, Supreme Court judges, lower court judges participated in the conference.
Paying tribute to the memory of the martyrs of 1971, the Chief Justice said, whose sacrifice laid the foundation of our independent nation. This month of victory, December, serves as a powerful reminder of their unparalleled courage and dedication.
Also recalling the strong spirit of the student-led revolution in July-August 2024, the Chief Justice said, “The July Revolution is a struggle to overthrow oppression and restore justice, equality and humanity.”
The Chief Justice said, “These defining moments in our history remind us that the quest for justice is not a fleeting endeavor but a lifelong commitment that forms the foundation of our judicial mission.”
The Chief Justice said, “Recently, a litigant approached the Appellate Division bench. The litigant spoke in a trembling voice. He broke down in tears. The litigant narrated his plight due to the delayed trial. Seeing his distress, I assured him that his case would be heard next month. His heartfelt gratitude reminded me that reducing delays in trial is not a mere administrative goal, but a moral imperative.”
The Chief Justice said, “We must ensure that justice is not delayed.”
Syed Refaat Ahmed said that upon taking oath as the 25th Chief Justice of the country, I was acutely aware of the immense responsibility placed on my shoulders. He said, “The glorious trust in the judiciary, ensuring justice for all, is a matter of taking various steps to address the challenges.”
He said, “On September 21, in the presence of judges from across the country, I unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for judicial reforms. This initiative is a cornerstone of my vision to strengthen our judiciary and strengthen its ability to serve the people with integrity and efficiency.”
He further said, “The independence of the judiciary must be complemented by efficiency. We are keenly aware of the challenges posed by case backlogs, delays and procedural inefficiencies. A multi-pronged approach is needed to address these challenges, which combines innovation, diligence and foresight.”
He said, “We are working to streamline the case management process. We are using technology to make the functioning of the courts more efficient and transparent. Digitalization is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.” By integrating modern tools and technology, we are committed to reducing delays, increasing transparency and providing more seamless services to litigants.
The Chief Justice said, UNDP plays a crucial role as a catalyst in this regard. UNDP can further support capacity-building programs, technological advancements and policy development tailored to the unique needs of the judiciary.
He said, “By enhancing cooperation, providing innovative solutions and ensuring sustainable implementation, our development partners, including UNDP, can empower us to overcome challenges and build a justice system that stands as a beacon of fairness, accessibility and efficiency for all.”