'Zero tolerance' policy to stop corruption in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court administration has issued a special notification on ensuring the security of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, discipline, professionalism and integrity of the officers and employees.

The notification signed by the Registrar General of the Supreme Court Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui on Wednesday (January 8) also gave several warning messages to stop corruption in the court.

The notification said that in view of the above, the following instructions have been given to ensure the security of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, 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 authorities. 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 the security of the Supreme Court:
1. As per clause 4 of rule 3 of Chapter-XVIA of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh (High Court Division) Rules, 1973 (amended on 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 according to the relevant rules.
f. Supervision:
1. The any 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 also said.