Election buzz at the Court

The Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association election is here again. It is scheduled to take place on the 23rd and 24th of March 2016. The corridors of the High Court Division and Appellate Division are buzzing with the humdrum of campaigning. The jubilant buzz is all about the predictions and speculations regarding the upcoming executive committee. Held annually this election marks the formation of the executive committee of one of the most prestigious legal professional bodies in Bangladesh.

The Association has a rich history and throughout time has been spearheaded by many legal luminaries. The structure of the executive committee comprises mainly of a President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, two Assistant Secretaries and seven Executive Committee Members. An advocate who has practised in the High Court Division for one year becomes eligible to apply for membership. After scrutiny of the application and an interview, the Association determines whether to allow membership. Thereafter, an ID is issued and a yearly membership fee is payable.

The Association seeks to promote and protect the privileges, interest and prestige of the Association and to promote union and cooperation among the advocates practicing in the Supreme Court and other association. It also promotes and maintain high standards of profession among members of the Supreme Court Bar. Under the leadership of many great legal minds the Association has steadily and gradually developed and enhanced the facilities enjoyed by its members. One of the favourite and highly celebrated event arranged by the Association is the annual lunch or break-up party that is held where all the members come together to celebrate the union. In recent times, changes in the High Court Rules require that every person swearing an affidavit i.e. the deponent of an application has to be identified by an advocate having membership of the Supreme Court Bar Association and it is necessary to incorporate the membership number. This has greatly elevated the stature of the Association and reflects the significance of its membership.

The Association is also active in raising its voice and taking a stand to uphold rule of law. Whenever required the members and the executive committee have come together to express their concern regarding violation of fundamental rights and any attack on the legal profession and the judiciary.

While the Association continues to thrive, there also seems to be a sense of indifference from some of the younger members. Active participation is lacking and there appears to be a reluctance to vote, which is unfortunate.

Among all professions, it is the lawyers who are expected to be more aware of their rights and duties. It is only through selecting their preferred candidate can the members ensure that their views are represented. Merging of innovative ideas of the young with the wisdom of the seniors would give us a strong, modern and vibrant Bar Association.

With the rise in number of legal practitioners there is now a wide diversity of thoughts and demands at the Supreme Court Bar. The Association is the best platform to combine both in order to meet international standards. While we may obtain membership at other international bar associations, end of the day if we seek to practice at the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar, our pride and honour lies with the Association.

Finally, the election of the Association is always seen as a celebration. Unlike any other election, the election at the Supreme Court Bar Association has so far, proved to be well organised and peaceful.  let us all get together and endeavour to further strengthen the Association by exercising our voting rights.

THE WRITER IS A BARRISTER AND ADVOCATE, SUPREME COURT OF BANGLADESH.