Bangladesh News

Appointments of judges in the country’s judiciary system should be free from influence of partisan politics to ensure justice for the people, eminent citizens said yesterday at a discussion.
They said the absence of an independent and impartial judiciary, inordinate delay in adjudication of cases, high cost of litigation and a dearth of legal aid are hindering justice for the people.

The speakers also recommended removal of all judges who were appointed on political considerations in the last two years.

Detailing their own experiences, the speakers said respect for the constitution and rule of law is lamentably absent, increasing inefficiency and corruption in law enforcing agencies and resulting in deterioration of law and order.

They were speaking at a discussion on ‘governance, reforms, law and security in Dhaka’. A citizens’ group comprising retired justices, teachers, economists, politicians, professionals from law enforcement agencies, and researchers organised the discussion as a sideline to their day-long discussion on Bangladesh First, Bangladesh 2025.

Rehman Sobhan, chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), and Justice Naimuddin Ahmed conducted the discussion, while Dr Kamal Hossain and representatives from different organisations took part in it.

Speaking at the discussion Dr Kamal Hossain said, “To get justice is a constitutional right of a citizen. But if the related institution acts in pursuance of politics, there is no way to ensure justice”.

He said, “Everyone who is holding a constitutional post should think whether his or her decision violates the constitution.”

He also stressed on ensuring the right to information so that the people can know how the decisions are being made by the higher level of the government.

Rehman Sobhan said, “We are starting a process to ensure justice in the society within the next 20 years, where participation of the young generation is very important”.

He said politicians should have a commitment to protect the people’s rights. “But unfortunately politics appears to be a kind of a business in our country. Politics turns into business, where absence of ideology, credibility and accountability drags the country’s environment into a dangerous situation”

He urged the young generation to come forward with thoughts of doing something for the country.

Eminent banker Khondokar Ibrahim Khaled emphasised ensuring good governance at every level of the government.

He said, “If lack of good governance is present at the higher level of the government, no mechanism will help in the next 20 years”.

Justice Naimuddin Ahmed said, “Politics is a big industry for making money in Bangladesh. Political power influences the judiciary system.”

“Sometimes I am afraid to introduce myself as a justice. Because, the image of judges is so marred today that it has destroyed the dignity of the profession in the last few years,” he said.

Muhammad Nurul Huda stressed on confirming political commitment for addressing corruption through a comprehensive framework and coordination between national efforts and international standards.

Shirin S Chaudhury, an advocate of the Supreme Court, said failures of law enforcement agencies and the justice delivery system have contributed to the growing culture of impunity.

She said rise of terrorism and fundamentalism, series of bomb and grenade attacks, and arbitrary and extra judicial killings not only pose grave threats to the lives of citizens but in effect renders the right to life, guaranteed under the constitution, nugatory.