Public confidence in judiciary declined due to govt interference: Chief Justice

Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed has said that people's trust in the judiciary has decreased due to direct interference of the government in the past years.

He said this at a programme organized to present the roadmap for the reform of the judiciary at Supreme Court premises on Saturday (September 21) morning. Judges of subordinate courts of the country participated in the event.

The Chief Justice said, “Judicial Department has not been effectively separated from the Executive Department and has not been independent. Full implementation of Masdar Hossain case judgment is necessary for judiciary to function independently. A separate secretariat is essential for the independence of the judiciary.”

He said, “There should be a separate law for the appointment of Supreme Court judges.”

At the event, Asif Nazrul, interim government’s adviser to the Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, said, “The status of the judiciary depends on the judges. There will be reforms in all areas including the appointment of the judges. People cannot be harassed by using the judiciary, the culture of disappearance and dumping cases should be deserted.”

Addressing the judges, he said, "You should not have any party attitude. Speak with your conscience, and act accordingly. Those who are in the lower court, you should keep people free from harassment as much as possible.”

Commenting that the attack on the justice seekers is not acceptable, Asif Nazrul said, “The judiciary is the most responsible institution. You have to take responsibility.”

Informing that initiatives have been taken to reform the judiciary, the adviser said, “In the meantime, the commission has been formed. We want to establish real justice. We want to get out of the practice of harassing people by filing a case.”

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman said, "The accomplices of fascism are still in important positions in the judiciary. It must be taken into account.”

He said, 'The government has taken various steps to make the judiciary independent. It has already been instructed that no arrest will be made just because a case has been filed.”