President Md. Shahabuddin urging upon the judges to take care not to abuse the power said, 'Power and responsibility are closely related. Power must be exercised to perform duties. Again, responsibility should be shown in the exercise of power.
He said this at the opening ceremony of the two-day conference titled 'Constitutional Courts of South Asia in the 21st Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India' at the Inner Court Yard of the Supreme Court on Friday (February 23) at noon.
Addressing the judges, President Md.Sahabuddin said, "The rule of law and justice must be ensured by being responsible to the country and the people and the constitution."
The head of state expressed hope that "judicial candidates will get justice in the shortest possible time at very low cost and the judges will ensure justice through their talent and thoughtfulness."
Stating that the judiciary must participate in the overall development and prosperity of the country, the President said, "The government is strongly committed to ensure the transparency, efficiency and accountability of the judiciary."
President Sahabuddin mentioned, 'Bangladesh Supreme Court started its journey on December 18, 1972 and since its inception it has been working to protect basic human rights of people, establish rule of law and provide justice to justice seekers in a short time.'
He said, "On August 15, 1975, the anti-independence forces captured the state power by killing the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the dreamer of Sonar Bangla and his family. But the Supreme Court did not allow the blueprint of the conspirators to be implemented. The Bangladesh Supreme Court declared the 5th and 7th amendments of the constitution illegal and established the democratic rights of the people of the country.
The Head of State respectfully recalled the role of the judges and lawyers of the Supreme Court who never surrendered to the barrel of a gun and never sold their conscience.
He said that Bangladesh and India, as two friendly countries in South Asia, have crossed a unique path in their respective journeys to establish the rule of law, develop democracy and protect constitutional continuity. President said that both Bangladesh and India have witnessed instances where the Judiciary has intervened to protect the rights of marginalized communities, uphold the principles of environmental sustainable development and good governance.
Referring to India as our closest neighbor and friendly country, President Sahabuddin expressed sincere thanks and gratitude on behalf of the people of Bangladesh for India's cooperation and solidarity in the Liberation War in 1971.
He said that since independence, bilateral and diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India are gradually expanding in various sectors including trade and investment. He opined that the judicial departments, judges and people of both countries can benefit by exchanging experience and training programs between the judicial departments, judges and related officials of the two countries.
The President also asked the Constitutional Courts of Bangladesh and India to focus on issues such as de-cluttering cases, access to justice and judicial accountability, as well as taking concerted steps for the development of the judiciary.
He said that judges and people of both countries can benefit by exchanging experience and training programs between judges and related officers of the two countries.
Sahabuddin said that Chief Justice of India Dr. Dhananjay Jaswant Chandrachud attended this international conference and gave international multi-dimensionality to the conference.
The President welcomed all the guests including the judges of Supreme Court of India and Kolkata High Court. Bangladesh achieved through the liberation war is now a role model of development in the world. He urged everyone to work together to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh by continuing this trend of development.
Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan, Chief Justice of India Dr. Dhananjay Jaswant Chandrachud, Law Minister Anisul Haque, Attorney General Abu Mohammad Amin Uddin, President of Supreme Court Bar Association Momtaz Uddin Fakir and Appellate Division Justice Borhan Uddin. Spoke in the event.
Besides, retired Chief Justice, judges of both divisions of Bangladesh Supreme Court, judges of Supreme Court of India and Kolkata High Court, leaders of Supreme Court Bar Association, members of Parliament and learned lawyers were also present.