The trial proceedings of both the divisions of the Supreme Court will be conducted in physical presence maintaining health protocols from Sunday following a downtrend in Covid infections. Mohammad Saifur Rahman, special officer of the Supreme Court, said this on Thursday. Earlier on January 19, the Supreme Court started virtual trial proceedings as per the instruction of Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique as a number of judges and staff were found infected with Covid-19. Read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: CJ hints at reverting to virtual trial proceedings The Cabinet on May 7, 2020 cleared the draft of an ordinance to pave the way for courts to run trial proceedings through video conferences and other digital means using the information technology. On May 9, an ordinance was promulgated allowing courts to run trial proceedings through video conferences and availing of other digital facilities. President Abdul Hamid promulgated the ordinance. On May 10, the High Court formed three benches for hearing urgent cases virtually and directed the subordinate courts concerned to hear cases related to emergency bail.

The judicial activities of both the divisions of will be conducted in physical presence maintaining health protocols from Wednesday. The Supreme Court issued a press release in this regard on Monday. Read: CJ, SC judges allowances raised; 2 Bills passed The decision was taken by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain in consultation with the senior judges.