Chief Justice (CJ) Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed has stated that efforts are underway to safeguard the judiciary from political influence and restore public confidence in the judicial system.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Upholding Environmental Justice: Role of Judges for a Sustainable Future”, organised by the Bangladesh Supreme Court at the Ruposhi Bangla Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental on Monday.
“Article 116 of our Constitution was originally introduced to ensure judicial independence. However, the Fourth Amendment altered this provision, limiting judicial autonomy and disrupting the balance of powers,” the Chief Justice explained.
Reaffirming his commitment to reinstating judicial autonomy, he declared, “My objective is to keep the judiciary free from political and administrative interference and to rebuild public trust in the system.”
Highlighting the connection between judicial reform and environmental justice, the Chief Justice asserted that the judiciary must go beyond merely interpreting the law and take a proactive role in environmental protection.
“We must pledge that the judiciary will not only focus on retribution or punishment but also contribute to environmental restoration,” he added.
Speaking on environmental protection, he stressed, “We are not mere spectators of the environmental crisis; we are the guardians of justice, responsible for upholding a legal system that serves as a strong shield for environmental preservation.”
He pointed out that climate change, deforestation, industrial pollution, and unplanned urbanisation pose significant threats to Bangladesh. Despite being renowned for its natural beauty, the country faces growing environmental challenges.
The Chief Justice acknowledged the crucial role of the judiciary in protecting Bangladesh’s environment, citing key court rulings on river conservation, air pollution control, and the enforcement of environmental laws as evidence of the judiciary’s dedication.
Referring to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and one of Bangladesh’s most valuable natural assets, he remarked, “It is home to diverse wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger and the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.”
“The Sundarbans serve as a natural shield, protecting coastal communities from cyclones and tidal surges. It also plays a vital role in mitigating climate change,” he noted.
However, he warned that climate change, rising salinity levels, industrial expansion, and deforestation are pushing the Sundarbans towards crisis.
“If we fail to take decisive action now, this invaluable resource may be lost,” he cautioned.
“It is our moral and legal duty to preserve it for future generations. To achieve this, a robust legal framework, sustainable policies, and active judicial oversight must be ensured,” he emphasised.
Addressing the seminar as a special guest, Chief Justice of the National High Court of Brazil, Antonio Herman Benjamin, shared Brazil’s experience in forest and environmental conservation, as well as climate justice.
Justice Benjamin commended Bangladesh’s proactive approach to environmental conservation and expressed interest in fostering legal and policy exchanges between the two nations.
The event began with a welcome speech by High Court Justice Farah Mahbub.
Among those present were judges from the Appellate and High Court Divisions, Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman, Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh Paulo Fernando Dias Feres, and senior Supreme Court officials.
