Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul has expressed that the restoration of the Supreme Judicial Council is a positive development.
Nazrul made the remarks in response to questions from journalists at the Secretariat on Sunday.
“The Supreme Judicial Council has been reinstated through the resolution of the review case. There was some confusion surrounding this matter, and today’s court ruling has cleared that up. The council can now be made fully functional,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of this move, Nazrul added: "This is particularly important at this time. There are several judges in the High Court who face complaints from various sectors of society. Some are seen as instruments of oppressive forces, while others have been accused of corruption. Reports on these matters have been published in several newspapers, and this has led to frustration, particularly among students."
He emphasized that the Supreme Judicial Council provides a constitutional avenue to address these grievances.
“At present, the High Court is completely independent and will act accordingly. Students now have a proper forum to present their concerns, which is a positive step forward,” Nazrul said.
The law adviser explained that the Supreme Judicial Council is already formed in line with the constitution, comprising the chief justice and two senior judges of the Appellate Division.
"If complaints are submitted today, the process can begin tomorrow. There is no need for a separate notification as the constitution outlines how the council will be formed," he clarified.
He also noted that, in the absence of the Supreme Judicial Council, there had been no forum for holding High Court judges accountable, nor was there any formal system for ensuring accountability in the administration of the High Court.
Nazrul further commented on recent court decisions, adding: "You are aware of the rulings against Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, as well as the restrictions on freedom of speech in Bangladesh. Many other judgments have been issued where people were denied the opportunity to defend their human rights. Instead, dissenters faced persecution."
"I believe that those currently in power have the intent to ensure accountability. The Goodwill Implementation Forum has also been revived, which is why I see this development as a positive one," Nazrul added.