The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Information Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday stressed the need for introducing new trend in politics and bringing about changes in the leadership with a view to protecting the country's democracy and independence of the judiciary.

"It is not correct that democracy and independence of the judiciary can be protected merely by holding the election in a free and fair manner. Rather, it needs introducing new trend in politics and new leadership," he said while addressing the 57th Annual Conference of Bangladesh Judicial Services Association at Osmani Memorial Hall in the city. Referring to the failure of the political parties in the past, the Law Adviser said the independence of judiciary could not be restored unless the political failures of past governments could be overcome. Infrastructure development is not alone sufficient for independence of the judiciary, he observed.

Barrister Mainul Hosein emphasised the need for taking initiative to bring about reform in the higher court saying, "The rot starts from the head of a fish. If reform does not take place from the apex court, the current efforts to ensure justice, good governance and the rule of law will be a futile exercise."

He said the Chief Justice and the government are aware about the need of reforms in the higher courts and the present caretaker government is ready to provide the Chief Justice with all supports for this.

"With the separation of judiciary from the executive, peoples' confidence over the judiciary has increased and the judges's responsibility also increased," he said.

He said it is globally recognised that the judicial activism of the judges is essential to ensure speedy justice to the people.

He said effective initiatives were being undertaken to increase all facilities and logistic supports for the judicial Magistrates.

"As the judges are liable to their conscience and morality, it is necessary to consider enhancement of their salary and allowances for honest living," he said, adding that "security of the judges has also to be ensured."