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Chief Justice (CJ) Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed on Sunday said that during certain political periods, the judiciary was perceived as an undeclared accomplice to unconstitutional exercises of power, misrule, and state hypocrisy.
"In Bangladesh's progress, many distinguished judges have earned deep respect through their wisdom, sense of justice, and moral courage. Yet, at times, some judges have directly or indirectly sheltered misrule and participated in acts of injustice," he said in his farewell address to judges of the higher and lower judiciary.
He added that such lapses, along with shortcomings in other state institutions, ultimately contributed to public unrest in July-August.
The address was delivered at the Supreme Court auditorium, attended in person and virtually by Appellate Division and High Court judges, district and sessions judges, the attorney general, Supreme Court Bar Association leaders, and other judicial officers.
Dr Ahmed said there is still a long way to go to ensure a favourable working environment and adequate residential facilities for judges. "The state's financial capacity is not the barrier; what is needed is a change in mindset."
The chief justice proposed introducing departmental examinations and performance evaluations for promotions and establishing a superior selection board to oversee appointments to posts of joint district judge and above. This, he said, will help prepare the long-awaited fit list for district judge and chief judicial magistrate positions.
Highlighting the judiciary's relevance, he said, "If malpractices, undue harassment, and obstructive mindsets are not eliminated, the judiciary risks becoming marginal, untrustworthy, and disconnected from the people it serves."
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