Stay careful that power is not misused

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday urged all judges to strictly monitor that power is not misused, reports UNB.

"Power and responsibility are related to one another. Power must be exercised to perform duties. Again, responsibility should be shown in the exercise of power," he said.

He was addressing the inaugural session of the International Conference on South Asian Constitutional Courts in the Twenty- First Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India at the inner courtyard of Bangladesh Supreme Court in Dhaka.

Chief Justice of India Dr Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud spoke at the session as the guest of honour while Chief Justice of Bangladesh Obaidul Hasan presided over the programme.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq, Attorney General Abu Mohammed Amin Uddin, President of Momtaj Uddin Fakir also spoke at the event.

President Shahabuddin asked the judges to ensure the rule of law and justice, being responsible towards the country, its people and the Constitution.

He also expressed the hope that the people would get justice within shortest possible time at a very low cost and the judges would ensure justice by applying their intellect and wisdom.

Stating that the Judiciary must participate in the overall development and prosperity of the country, the President said the government is strongly committed to ensuring transparency, efficiency and accountability to the judiciary.

Since its inception on December 18, 1972, Bangladesh Supreme Court has been working to protect basic human rights of people, establish rule of law and provide justice to litigants within the shortest possible time, the President mentioned.

Recalling with deep respect the role of those brave judges and lawyers of the Supreme Court who never bowed down to the gun-point and never sold their conscience, he said whenever necessary during the transitional time of the nation, the Supreme Court has established the basic human rights of the people and protected the constitution by fulfilling the duties assigned to it.

Saying that the existing bilateral ties between the neighboring Bangladesh and India in South Asia are excellent, the President said two friendly countries have crossed unique paths in their respective journeys to establish rule of law, develop democracy and protect constitutional continuity.

Since independence, bilateral and diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India are gradually expanding in various sectors, including trade and investment, he added.

President Shahabuddin said both Bangladesh and India have witnessed instances where the Judiciary has intervened to protect the rights of marginalised communities, uphold the principles of environment-based sustainable development and good governance.

Calling India Bangladesh's closest neighbour and a friendly country, the President expressed sincere thanks and gratitude on behalf of the people of Bangladesh for India's whole-hearted cooperation and solidarity to the Bangladesh War of Liberation in 1971.

The judiciary, judges and people of both countries can benefit by exchanging experience and training programs between the judiciary, judges and related officials of the two countries, he opined.