UNDP’s outgoing Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stefan Liller has said a strong, independent, and efficient judiciary is a cornerstone of democratic governance.
"It is essential for checks and balances, the protection of rights, access to justice, and public confidence in the state," he said in a social media post after attending a farewell call on and dinner hosted by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury at his official residence on Tuesday.
It also helps create the conditions for economic confidence and investment, including through reforms such as the introduction of commercial courts, Liller said.
Former Chief Justice, Senior Justices of the Supreme Court, and Heads of Mission from Australia, the European Union, Japan, Norway, and the United Kingdom were also present.
UNDP has had the privilege of working with Bangladesh’s judiciary for decades, Liller said.
In recent years, he said, this partnership has taken on renewed importance, with an increased focus on supporting judicial independence, efficiency, and people-centered justice reform.
"I am deeply grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Justice, the judiciary, and our development partners for their trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to strengthening the rule of law and access to justice in Bangladesh. May this important agenda and partnership continue to go from strength to strength," Liller said.