The Covid-19 pandemic has had a destructive effect on all walks of life, and it appears that the legal sector has not been spared either.
To date, there have been 40 judges that have been infected with the deadly virus, along with 136 staff of subordinate courts and 45 officials of the Supreme Court.
This is concerning, to say the least, and while the authorities concerned have been looking to take the necessary steps to provide treatment to the judges and court officials, it is important that these steps are carried out diligently, with attention given to the protection of the legal sector.
However, it must be noted that, after resumption in May after the initial lockdown, courts have been virtual, with trial proceedings being conducted through video-conferencing. This is an encouraging sign -- not only will this help keep the judges and officials safer, but our legal system has long needed an update, shifting away from the archaic practices and embracing more modern and digital methods.
The ongoing pandemic has brought about widespread accelerated changes in our society, compelling people and organizations to essentially abandon lifelong procedures, behaviours, and systems.
Our courts and justice system have to keep up with the times and follow suit. It is an integral part of a functioning country, and as such, as Bangladesh develops and embraces more digitization into all sectors, the courts too must continue to adapt and not risk being left behind. After all, the wheels of justice must keep turning.