Supreme Court Day today

Desk Report: Bangladesh Supreme Court is observing the Supreme Court Day for the second time today (Tuesday) as the apex court started its operation on this day in 1972.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday greeted judges, lawyers and officials of the apex court on the eve of the day.

The President in his message said, “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took initiatives to formulate a Constitution right after independence. The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was adopted on November 4, 1972 and it became effective on December 16.”

“Bangladesh Supreme Court started its operation on December 18, 1972. The apex court is observing December 18 as Supreme Court Day to flourish democracy and ensure rule of law and I welcome this initiative,” he added.

“There is no alternative to democracy and good governance for the advancement. Maintaining good relations and coordination among legislature, executive and judiciary is very urgent. The role of judiciary in ensuring rule of law, fundamental rights of the people, protecting human rights and participatory democracy is very crucial”, President Hamid said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message also recalled the memories of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in establishing rule of law in the country.

“He (Bangabandhu) presented us with the great Constitution in 1972 as a unique document for ensuring democracy, human rights, equity and justice. Bangabandhu inaugurated Bangladesh Supreme Court on December 18, 1972. But after the brutal killing of Father of the Nation on August 15, 1975, rule of law and fundamental human rights nosedived in the country,” she said.

The Prime Minister further said Indemnity Ordinance was issued, giving impunity to the killers of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“The way to get justice was blocked because of the murder, torture, oppression carried out by the post-75 military regime, BNP-Jamaat alliance governments after that. Country’s people were deprived of legal assistance and rights. Awami League government in 1996 scrapped the Indemnity Ordinance and opened the door of trial over the monstrous murders of Bangabandhu and rest of his family members,” she said.

The Prime Minister said the government is holding the trial of crimes against humanity carried out in 1971 to ensure rule of law, adding, “The role of judiciary is praiseworthy for its appropriate contribution in this regard.”

A discussion will be held at Supreme Court Judges’ Complex tomorrow as the main program of the day. President M Abdul Hamid is expected to attend the program as the chief guest.

A blood donation camp will be organized jointly by Supreme Court Bar Association and Lawyers Meditation Society on Supreme Court premises.

Source: BSS


risingbd/Dec 18, 2018/Mukul