In a formal ceremony at Bangabhaban yesterday evening, President M Abdul Hamid issued a spirited call for the integration of modern information technology within the nation’s legal framework. The President’s remarks were delivered during a courtesy audience with three newly appointed judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
The newly elevated justices—Justice Borhan Uddin, Justice M Enayetur Rahim, and Justice Krishna Debnath—were received by the Head of State following their appointments to the country’s apex court. President Hamid extended his warmest congratulations, expressing his firm belief that their presence on the bench would significantly bolster the efficacy and momentum of the Appellate Division’s judicial proceedings.
Expediting Justice through Technology
The central theme of the President’s address was the urgent need for a “Digital Judiciary.” He urged the bench to embrace Information Technology (IT) not merely as a peripheral tool, but as a core mechanism to expedite the judicial process and address the perennial challenge of case backlogs.
President Hamid reflected on the resilience shown by the judiciary during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the successful implementation of virtual courts was a testament to the system’s ability to adapt under duress. By continuing this trajectory, the President suggested, the judiciary could ensure that “justice delayed is justice denied” becomes a phrase of the past. The transition to an e-judiciary system—including digital filing, video conferencing for hearings, and electronic case management—is seen as vital for making legal services more accessible to the common citizen.
Upholding Judicial Integrity
Beyond technological advancement, the President underscored the moral and ethical weight of the judicial office. He implored the justices to work with unwavering diligence and sincerity to uphold the esteemed image of the judiciary. He emphasised that the apex court serves as the final bastion of hope for the public, and its reputation hinges on the transparency and impartiality of its deliberations.
The following table outlines the newly appointed justices and the core pillars of the technological mandate discussed:
| Judicial Appointment | Key Area of Focus for Modernisation | Strategic Objective |
| Justice Borhan Uddin | Digital Case Management | Reducing the timeline for case disposal. |
| Justice M Enayetur Rahim | Virtual Hearing Protocols | Ensuring continuity during national crises. |
| Justice Krishna Debnath | E-filing & Documentation | Minimising paper-trail delays and costs. |
| Appellate Division Goal | Transparency & Accessibility | Enhancing public trust in the legal system. |
Formal Attendance
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials of the President’s Office, including Sampad Barua, Secretary to the President’s Office; Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Military Secretary; Md Joynal Abedin, Press Secretary; and Md Wahidul Islam Khan, Secretary (Attached).
The session concluded with the President reaffirming his commitment to supporting the judiciary’s efforts in evolving into a modern, tech-savvy institution that meets the needs of a 21st-century Bangladesh.