Law Minister Dr. Asif Nazrul delivered a stern message to judges on Thursday (October 29), warning against shortened working hours and urging the judiciary to adapt to technological advancements while tackling a massive backlog of over 4.6 million pending cases.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the e-family appeal court in Dhaka, the Law Minister addressed allegations regarding judicial efficiency, stating that complaints exist of certain judges holding court for only two to three hours, arriving at 11:00AM and concluding their work by 1:30PM or 2:00PM.
"If there are any luxury-loving judicial officers, we will not be able to maintain that lifestyle for them," the minister remarked, warning that strict administrative arrangements would be implemented for those seeking comfort over service.
Highlighting the capabilities of younger judicial officers, the minister described them as smart and adaptable, emphasizing that to transform the realm of justice into a true sanctuary of public trust and reliance, the judiciary must keep pace with the times. He noted that artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital sector present the biggest contemporary challenges, expressing confidence that young judges will step up to master these technological shifts.
Addressing the immense burden on the judicial system, the minister noted that dealing with more than 4.6 million pending cases places an inhumane burden on judges, adding that the government is actively working to alleviate this pressure.
Recalling recent digital reforms, the minister mentioned that the e-bail bond system has already been launched, yielding tangible benefits for the public. He highlighted ongoing initiatives to digitize witness testimony and court appearances, pointing out that digital attendance systems have already been introduced for select accused individuals at the International Crimes Tribunal, where officials confirm appearances remotely from correctional facilities.
-EM