If judiciary fails, state and democracy fail: Chief Justice

If the judiciary fails, the state and democracy collapse. The constitution then becomes silent. As a result, public expectations are destroyed, Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed made these remarks on Saturday, November 22, at the ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation’ at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital.

He said the July Revolution was not intended to overthrow the constitution, but to purify the relationship with it. Transparency, accountability and public responsiveness became the key expectations of the people.

The chief justice said that during global crises and instability, the judiciary must face its greatest tests. Judicial reform is not merely cosmetic— it is the struggle to uphold justice and democracy. The reform roadmap of September 2024 identified administrative weaknesses of the courts and laid the foundation for a modern, ethical and efficient judicial system.

He said that as Bangladesh prepares once again for its political future, the judiciary must remain principled while staying alert to changing global realities.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, CGS president Zillur Rahman and executive director Parvez Karim Abbasi also spoke at the event.