Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Thursday emphasized the need to ensure the continuity and effective functioning of the Supreme Court secretariat, describing it as a crucial step for maintaining judicial efficiency and the smooth operation of the judiciary.
Speaking after formally unveiling the Supreme Court secretariat at the Supreme Court Administrative Building-4 this afternoon, the Chief Justice said, “Today, we are standing at a truly historic institutional moment. Everyone you see here has, in one way or another, contributed and partnered with this interim government, and collectively we have achieved this milestone.”
“Our journey does not end here. The most important step ahead is to ensure the continuity and effective functioning of this secretariat. The coming months and years will show how successfully we can achieve this,” the Chief Justice said.
He added that the Supreme Court’s constitutional authority to conduct judicial functions and oversee the justice system has now been consolidated within the institution. “While the success of this initiative will be credited to us, we must also acknowledge our responsibility for any shortcomings,” he noted.
Calling on all stakeholders, including future elected governments, to uphold the rule of law and strengthen democracy, Syed Refaat Ahmed also addressed the media, saying, “I always say that you are the Fourth State (fourth pillar). I am personally very grateful to you for the cooperation you have given us in the last 16 months. We could not have done this without you, and I hope you will continue to be by our side in the journey ahead.”
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Highlighting ongoing efforts, the Chief Justice said two committees – the Planning and Development Committee and the Post Creation Committee – have already been formed, and daily activities related to the secretariat are now underway.
Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, Supreme Court Bar Council President Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Bangladesh Bar Council Vice-Chairman Senior Advocate Zainul Abedin, Ambassadors of various countries to Bangladesh, Senior Secretary of the Supreme Court Secretariat, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Law, officials of the Supreme Court Secretariat and Supreme Court administration were also present at the event.