Chief Justice (CJ) Syed Refaat Ahmed. File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 25, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Justice (CJ) Syed Refaat Ahmed today said significant steps are being taken to set up specialised commercial court as part of the judicial reform activities.
 
"Significant steps are being taken to establish specialized commercial courts as part of the ongoing judicial reform activities," he said, addressing as the chief guest a regional seminar at DuSai Resort in Moulvibazar district.

The seminar titled "Judicial Independence and Efficiency in Bangladesh" was jointly organised by Bangladesh Supreme Court and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
   
"These (commercial) courts will be helpful in speedy resolution of commercial disputes. As a result, businessmen and investors will be able to get timely and effective legal remedies, which will increase investor confidence and attract more foreign direct investment," the Chief Justice said.

Additionally, he said, this initiative will play a significant role in making the judicial system compatible with the needs of the changing economy and making Bangladesh a competitive and investment-friendly destination.

Regarding implementation of his announced roadmap for judicial reforms, Syed Refaat Ahmed said an ordinance has already been issued including the provision for the formation of the 'Judicial Appointment Council' for the appointment of High Court judges.

He said a significant progress has been made in establishing the Supreme Court Secretariat.

The Supreme Court is working on formulating necessary policies for the transfer and promotion of subordinate court judges and introducing the Chief Justice Fellowship to enhance the capacity of judicial officers, he added.

Mentioning that the judiciary is moving towards digitalisation, the Chief Justice said that paper-free operations have already started in the Company Bench of the Supreme Court and this process will be introduced in the district courts of the country in future.

Besides, the helpline service was launched by the Supreme Court to facilitate judicial services to the litigants and through this the transparency and accountability in providing judicial services have been ensured, he said.

The seminar was presided over by Senior Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam.

Judicial officers of various levels working in Sylhet, Habiganj and Moulvibazar participated in the seminar.