The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Justice Md. Ruhul Amin on Saturday said, the separation of judiciary from the executive has been possible because of the present 'congenial atmosphere' in the country.

"The Supreme Court continued its efforts to separate the judiciary from the administration, but without such a congenial atmosphere it would have not been so easy or even possible to accomplish the task," he said while speaking as the chief guest at the 10th founding anniversary of East West University (EWU) at Bangladesh-China Conference Center here.

Terming the judiciary separation 'absolutely an epoch making achievement', the chief justice expressed firm optimism that it would usher in a new era in the making of a benevolent society where every citizen would feel secured and equal in the eyes of jurisprudence. "As we all can realise that if a government was fully aware of the role of the judiciary, a country could confidently move ahead towards the rule of law which is basically the lifeline of democracy," he observed.

Chaired by EWU Board of Directors President Jalaluddin Ahmed, the function was also addressed by University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Nazrul Islam as the special guest. Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Sharif delivered the address of welcome.

The chief justice said, judiciary occupies a unique position in modern society. It is indeed, the most important of the arms of the government since it is empowered to set limits to the authority of both the legislature and the executive, he added. "However, the power of the judiciary might remain latent and when occupants of judiciary office become timid or are reluctant to exercise their power," he opined. The role of the judiciary in a democratic society like that in Bangladesh is a pivotal one, Justice Amin said adding, "The judiciary is one of the three pillars of the modern democratic nation state, and is essential to the process of check and balance so fundamental to the way societies such as ours are meant to operate and function."

Chief Justice Ruhul Amin said, every citizen in an independent country aspires to freedom so that they could live with their rights and dignity.

But, the Constitution can only legitimise that but cannot protect it in reality unless a truly independent judiciary system is in place to work effectively, he added. Justice Amin said, "The judiciary is under sacred duty to keep its house in order and to ensure that this is clearly visible by the people it serves."

We must respect the rights of other people as we respect our own. If we do not allow other people to exercise their rights, we cannot expect others to respect our rights," he said.

"When we lie, we violate other people's rights to truth. When we become corrupt, we negate people's right to justice and fairness. We should not do any of these things because we do not want other people to do these things to us," added the chief justice.

Referring to the university education, he said, Bangladesh should be thankful to the initiative of the private universities like East West University to complement the public sector in providing tertiary education.

Justice Amin said, universities were increasingly striving to combine the pursuit of knowledge and truth with the values and needs of an evolving society. The universities are also operating as vanguards for democracy and free thought, he added.

"At this moment of time, education is an important instrument in bringing about changes in society that are crucial. Education will empower those who would be otherwise suppressed," he said.

Higher education in a place like the East West University is essential to help good governance and powerful judiciary in the country, the chief justice said and suggested that the East West could open a full-fledged law faculty or at least a degree in criminal justice.

He congratulated the university on its outstanding achievements in different areas of higher education and said, the success it achieved within a short period was surely remarkable.

In his address, UGC Chairman Prof Nazrul Islam stressed on the quality of education and said, it was important to equip the students with the global perspectives to keep pace with the rest of the world.

Students, teachers and invited guests attended the EWU anniversary celebration that was rounded off with a cultural function and prize giving ceremony in the evening.

Earlier, an art competition for children was held in the morning on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the EWU.