Play judicious role to ensure justice

"The nation has a great expectation from you sitting in the dignified seats. Honesty, efficiency and justice are inalienable attributes of a judge," she said inaugurating the 55th annual general meeting of Bangladesh Judicial Service Association (BJSA) at Osmani Memorial Hall.

She said an efficient judge and effective justice-delivery system are preconditions to good governance and people expect the judges to deliver justice rising beyond any greed, fear-apprehension, favour or disfavour.

Offering her deep condolences and sympathies over the killing of two judges in Jhalakati on November 14 and injuring other judges in bomb blasts, the PM said the government is determined to punish those misinterpreting Islam.

"The bomb terrors are the enemies of the country, nation, religion and humanity. They are enemies of our democracy and progress," she added.

Khaleda said after the Jhalakati blasts, she instructed authorities concerned to take instant and tough measures. Some steps were taken for security of the judges and rehabilitation of the families of the two slain judges, she said.

Responding to demands of the judicial association, the PM said she is aware of their demands and proposals; despite financial constraints, the government has always been sincere to meet the judges' demands. "Already realistic and effective steps have been taken and it will continue in future," she added.

Khaleda assured she would consult with the chief justice and take necessary steps relating to various aspects of their service and profession. The government, she said, has already adopted various reforms to update the judicial system.

"Old laws were reformed and new laws enacted and this trend will continue to establish social justice and the rule of law," she said, adding that her government is determined to uphold independence of the judiciary and ensure the citizens' rights to get justice.

Chief Justice Syed JR Mudassir Husain, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs Moudud Ahmed, State Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs Shahjahan Omar, BJSA President Rafiqul Islam and General Secretary Rezaul Karim also spoke.

Chief Justice Husain called for collective effort of the people irrespective of party and opinion to tackle the growing menace of bombings. "A country where the judicial system is more impartial, honest and independent is as much civilised and developed,” he said. The chief justice said irregularity and mismanagement are prevalent due to moral erosion in different spheres of national life.

"In such circumstances, people who are engaged in judicial service have to play important roles in protecting justice alongside gaining confidence of the people," he added.

He said the litigant people expect the judges to discharge their responsibilities with cent percent honesty and impartiality.

On recent militant attacks in the country, Justice Husain reminded Islam is a religion of peace, solidarity and fraternity. There is no room for militancy or bigotry in Islam.

"If this trend continues, normal activities of courts in the country would be hampered seriously and there is an apprehension of the country's image getting damaged," he pointed out. He suggested concerted effort to combat the militancy and bombings.

SLAIN JUDGES' WIDOWS GET JOB
The prime minister handed appointment letters over to the widows of the two slain judges --Sohel Ahmed and Jagannath Pandey -- killed in a bomb attack in Jhalakathi on November 14.

As earlier promised to rehabilitate the families of the two judges, she gave away the letters appointing them as first-class officers in United Commercial Bank Limited (UCBL).

Earlier, UCBL Chairman MA Hashem MP completed the appointment procedure and submitted the appointment letters to the prime minister at the function.