Judiciary Closer Than Ever to Full Reform: Chief Justice

Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that judicial reform is not only central to sustaining broader sectoral reforms but has become a symbol of reform itself.

He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a seminar titled Judicial Independence and Efficiency, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at a hotel in Rangpur city.

“The judiciary is the primary organ of the state that has been actively striving for internal reforms for decades,” the Chief Justice stated. “At the heart of this effort lies the judiciary’s ability to define its own reform agenda and to take ownership of its implementation. Over the past eight months, we have seen unprecedented progress. Now, our goal is to achieve this vision fully and ensure its long-term sustainability.”

He further underscored: “As an institution, we have never been closer to achieving full separation of powers. If this moment is squandered, it would gravely damage the judiciary’s dignity, integrity, and relevance. My message is clear: everyone must share this responsibility. I hope this message will echo across the nation.”

The seminar also featured speeches by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke and UNDP Country Representative Stephen Liller. Judges from Rangpur and other districts across the division attended the event.