Unprecedented steps of Supreme Court to stop corruption

Considering the overall law and order situation in the country, an unprecedented security zone has been created in the entire Supreme Court area. On the other hand, to ensure the discipline, professionalism and honesty of the officers and employees of the Supreme Court, a zero tolerance policy has been adopted to stop corruption that has been going on for a long time and the activities have already started. Such an initiative by the Supreme Court administration has never been seen in the past.

Law Ministry sources said that before the start of the activities of the Supreme Court Secretariat, the Supreme Court administration, in consultation with the Law Ministry, adopted a zero tolerance policy to ensure maximum security of the Supreme Court and to stop any corruption in all sections and benches, including the Solicitor and Attorney General's Office. Which has already been implemented.

It was seen on the spot that three levels of security have been created in the entire Supreme Court area. A large number of law enforcement officers have been posted at each gate. A large number of police are being kept at the entrances of the Supreme Court Bar Association Building, the old building (main building) of the Supreme Court, the Annex Building and the International Crimes Tribunal round the clock.

They are interrogating and searching anyone suspicious. In addition, the security of every courtroom of the International Crimes Tribunal and the High Court and Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has also been strengthened. However, journalists are being prevented from entering the Appellate Division citing this additional security. This has also created controversy.

However, Registrar General Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui told Views Bangladesh, "Security has been strengthened in all courtrooms of the Appellate Division and the High Court Division. That is why the entry of journalists to some benches of the High Court, including the Appellate Division, has been made a little stricter. This will not continue in the future."

Regarding corruption in the Supreme Court, he said, "A zero tolerance policy has been adopted for any kind of corruption in all sections and benches of the Appellate Division and the High Court Division."

The Supreme Court administration has also issued a circular in this regard. Strict surveillance and regular inspection activities have been started in these places. Hopefully, it will be possible to control corruption soon.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court administration has issued a special circular to ensure the security of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, discipline, professionalism and honesty of the officers and employees. The circular signed by the Registrar General of the Supreme Court, Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui, on January 8, also gave several warning messages to stop corruption in the court.

The circular said that in view of the above, the following instructions have been given to ensure the security of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, the dynamism of official work and the discipline, professionalism and transparency of the officers and employees.

A. Attendance and departure from the office: 1. All officers and employees must be present at the workplace at 9 am according to the prescribed office schedule.

2. In case of leaving the office, the workplace cannot be left before the prescribed time under any circumstances without the permission of the competent authority.

3. Late attendance and leaving the workplace without permission will be considered as ‘misconduct’ and departmental action will be taken against the concerned.

B. Constant presence and cleanliness at the designated desk:

1. All officers and employees must be present at their respective desks at all times, no work can be left unfinished.

2. Cleanliness must be maintained. Dirt, garbage and leftover food items must be thrown in the designated dustbin.

C. Ensuring security of the Supreme Court:

1. According to clause 4 of rule 3 of Chapter-XVIA of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh (High Court Division) Rules, 1973 (amended November 12, 2012), no person, whether a member of the bar or a lawyer’s assistant or a court employee or any other person, can participate in any procession, slogan, campaign, meeting or protest in the court premises or in any part of the court building.

2. Carrying any type of legal or illegal weapons, firearms, explosives and narcotics in the Supreme Court premises is completely prohibited.

3. For the sake of security and traffic management, parking of cars and rickshaws on the road, in front of the building gates except for the designated parking is completely prohibited.

d. Dress code:

1. All officers and employees must wear the prescribed formal attire during office hours.

2. All officers and employees must carry their office ID cards and keep them visible.

e. Prevention of corruption and integrity:

1. Bangladesh Supreme Court adopts a 'zero tolerance' policy against corruption.

2. Any kind of financial transaction or taking unethical benefits with service recipients is completely prohibited.

3. If evidence of corruption is found against any officer or employee, immediate action will be taken as per the relevant rules.

f. Supervision:

1. The concerned branch heads and the assistant registrars in charge of the branch will regularly monitor the attendance book and dress code.

2. The implementation of this directive will be ensured through surprise inspections by the concerned Deputy Registrar. The order will come into effect immediately, the notification said.

In this regard, Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon told Views Bangladesh, "The unprecedented initiative taken to ensure the security and prevention of corruption in the Supreme Court will make the country's judicial system safer and more secure."

"It will be clear. However, everyone's cooperation, including lawyers and trial candidates, will be needed in this regard."