Md. Asaduzzaman, the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, has emphasised that honesty is inseparable from the judiciary. Speaking on Wednesday (18 February) during an introductory meeting with officials from both departments of his ministry on his first working day, the minister made it clear that judges are inherently expected to act with integrity. Any involvement in corruption will invite not only administrative sanctions but also formal legal action.
“Being a judge inherently implies being honest,” the minister asserted. “The very term ‘judge’ carries the presumption of integrity. Anyone who engages in corrupt practices will face the law, not just internal disciplinary measures. No one can expect to evade accountability.”
The minister, as confirmed by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, addressed concerns over perceptions in society regarding corruption among officials. “Terms like ‘corrupt judge’ or ‘corrupt officer’ are sometimes heard,” he said. “But the concept of honesty is embedded in the designation of judge itself; there is no need to qualify it separately. Our focus should not be on distinguishing between honest and dishonest judges, but on ensuring that all judges adhere to the highest standards of probity.”
He also advised that those who feel their salaries are insufficient to meet family needs should reconsider taking up judicial responsibilities. “For such individuals, practicing as a lawyer remains a viable option even after retirement,” he added. This, he said, was a key message for both new and existing officials.
On the issue of corruption, the minister stressed: “Anyone who believes they can get away with corrupt practices is mistaken. Administrative measures will be taken against those involved, and legal proceedings will also be initiated. This must be clearly understood by all.”
The main points of the minister’s address can be summarised as follows:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs |
| Minister | Md. Asaduzzaman |
| Meeting Date | 18 February |
| Core Message | Judges must be honest; corruption will be legally prosecuted |
| Administrative Action | Disciplinary measures against those involved in corruption |
| Legal Action | Filing of corruption cases |
| Additional Advice | Avoid taking office if salary is insufficient; legal practice possible post-retirement |
Minister Asaduzzaman concluded by reaffirming that integrity and ethics form the cornerstone of the judicial system. Regardless of rank or position, a zero-tolerance approach to corruption will be maintained. His remarks underline that corruption has no place in Bangladesh’s judiciary, and no individual will be allowed to benefit from such misconduct.