Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that preliminary work for the establishment of a specialised commercial court has already been completed.
He made the announcement while addressing a regional seminar as the chief guest, organised jointly by the Bangladesh Supreme Court and UNDP, at Hotel City Inn in Khulna today (April 12).
The seminar, focused on ensuring judicial independence and enhancing the efficiency of judicial services, was presided over by Justice Mohammad Ali of the High Court Division.
Expressing gratitude to the interim government for its support in implementing various elements of the judicial reform roadmap, the Chief Justice said an ordinance for the appointment of High Court judges could soon be finalised thanks to the government’s proactive role.
He also said that the Ministry of Law has made significant progress toward establishing a separate judicial secretariat under the Supreme Court, with work on the related ordinance advancing rapidly.
On the longstanding issue of case backlogs, the Chief Justice said a notable number of judges have recently been appointed at various levels with the government’s cooperation. This, he said, would play a vital role in reducing the backlog across the judiciary.
He further informed that two special committees are actively working to launch the Supreme Court Research Institute in Cox’s Bazar.
Referring to the series of divisional seminars, the Chief Justice said the Supreme Court would soon begin drafting a strategic plan to modernise the judiciary, incorporating insights gathered from these regional discussions.
Highlighting recent developments, he expressed hope that the judiciary, having embarked on a new chapter following the July political transition, would regain public trust.
UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller delivered the welcome address, while European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks spoke as special guests.
The event was attended by judges from various courts in Khulna, including the District and Sessions Judge Courts, Metropolitan Sessions Judge Courts, Chief Judicial Magistrate Courts, and labour courts.
Judicial officers from Satkhira and Bagerhat, along with leaders of the Khulna District Bar Association, government lawyers, and invited guests, were also present.
In his remarks, Stefan Liller described the Chief Justice’s roadmap for judicial reform as timely, and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting the judiciary's modernisation as a development partner during this critical phase.
BDST: 1420 HRS, APR 12, 2025
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