Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that there is no alternative to establishing a separate prosecution service and a Supreme Court Secretariat for the institutionalization of judicial independence.
He made these remarks at a seminar titled "Judicial Independence and Efficiency in Bangladesh," held at the Grand River View Hotel in Rajshahi on Saturday.
The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Supreme Court and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
In his speech, the chief justice emphasized the judiciary’s crucial role in ensuring justice and the rule of law.
He also outlined the progress of his declared judicial reform roadmap, particularly mentioning the recently issued ordinance regarding the appointment of judges in the higher courts.
Additionally, he placed special emphasis on establishing an independent prosecution service and setting up a Supreme Court Secretariat.
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed noted that weak investigations and unprofessional prosecution are major obstacles to justice in Bangladesh.
He stressed the importance of training and enhancing the skills of prosecutors.
Furthermore, he reiterated the necessity of establishing a Supreme Court Secretariat, saying: "A separate secretariat will ensure the institutional independence and autonomy of the judiciary."
He added: "The proposed Supreme Court Secretariat will facilitate judicial policymaking and implementation, ensure adequate budget allocations and infrastructure development, and bring transparency to judicial transfers and promotions."
The chief justice also mentioned that a comprehensive proposal for the formation of a separate secretariat has already been submitted to the government and is currently under consideration.
He reaffirmed his commitment to establishing a modern judicial system in Bangladesh to ensure justice.