Judiciary reforms aim to serve people, not power: CJ

The judiciary has been undergoing major reforms over the past 15 months to make it more independent, efficient, and accessible to the people, Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed said yesterday.

Speaking at a programme marking the 75th founding anniversary of Dhaka University's Department of Islamic History and Culture at the TSC auditorium, the chief justice said, "We have worked to bring real changes so that the justice system serves people, not power."

He said the ongoing reforms are gradually becoming a "people's reform", as citizens have started to see and support the changes.

"Institutions must serve people. Authority without legitimacy is empty," he added.

The chief justice also said the judiciary, like any other institution, must reform to stay relevant. "It cannot survive only on tradition," he said.

He mentioned that the Supreme Court has been strengthening its global ties by building partnerships with countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Palestine, and Thailand to share ideas and experiences.

The event was chaired by Prof Md Ataur Rahman Biswas, head of the department.

Faculty members Dr Md Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dr Md Abdur Rahim, Dr Abdul Bashir, and Dr Abu Khaled Mohammad Khademul Haque also attended, along with former and current students.