Law minister calls for independent, corruption-free judiciary

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has called for an independent, strong and corruption-free judicial system to ensure justice for citizens and restore public confidence in the judiciary.

He expressed hope that young lawyers would uphold the dignity of the legal profession through their competence, integrity and professionalism.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at an orientation programme for newly enrolled members of the Dhaka Bar Association on Friday.

He said there was no shortcut to establishing oneself in the legal profession. Lawyers must build their careers through merit, wisdom, perseverance and hard work.

A person in distress often turns to a lawyer with trust and confidence after seeking help from Allah, he said, adding that protecting clients' trust was an ethical responsibility.

He urged young lawyers to prepare thoroughly before appearing in court and develop an in-depth understanding of the law. He also said judges were not above the law and must be held accountable if their conduct undermined public confidence in the judicial system.

The minister said political dominance and displays of power had no place in court proceedings. Instead, lawyers should uphold the rule of law by presenting legal arguments.

Highlighting the need for training and employment opportunities for young lawyers, he said many newly enrolled advocates entered professional life without adequate institutional training. Some also faced a lack of support and fair remuneration while working under senior lawyers.

To address the situation, the Law Ministry has announced an allocation of Tk 50 crore this year for lawyers' training, he said.

He added that he had discussed with the commerce minister a proposed amendment to the Companies Act to introduce a provision requiring each private company to employ a lawyer, with a view to expanding employment opportunities for legal professionals.

Asaduzzaman also urged lawyers to maintain transparency, honesty and professional ethics, while extending support to disadvantaged people. He suggested that lawyers handling 10 cases could take at least two cases free of charge for poor and vulnerable clients.

Outlining the government's commitment, he said the administration led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was determined to establish good governance and ensure justice for all killings, injustices and rights violations.

Referring to more than 16 years of political movements, he claimed that over 4,500 fellow activists had been lost, more than 700 people had been subjected to enforced disappearance and over six million party leaders and activists had faced false and fabricated cases. He said the government was working to ensure justice for these alleged abuses.

The minister called on young lawyers to stand alongside the government and the people in upholding the rule of law, justice and human rights. He also urged all stakeholders to play a responsible role in building an independent, strong and effective judiciary.

Dhaka Bar Association President Advocate Anwar Zahid Bhuiyan chaired the programme. Dhaka-7 MP Habibur Rahman Habib, former and current leaders of the association, judicial officials, senior lawyers and newly enrolled advocates attended the event.

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