Blame game between judiciary, executive will weaken state, warns Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged more cooperation among the judiciary, executive and legislative branches of the state.

"These are the three pillars of a state. The state can never function when there is bickering and blaming. I would request all of you to keep that in mind," she said at a programme marking National Legal Aid Day on Friday.

"Parliament makes law, judiciary enforces it while the executive branch implements it. No one is inferior to the other, but these branches cannot operate independently. So they must cooperate," she said.

Chief Justice SK Sinha has time and again spoken of a chasm between the executive and the judiciary since his appointment two years back.

He once said a certain quarter was always trying to pull the
judiciary away from the government which was misleading the public. Prime
Minister Hasina has, however, rejected his claim.

Chief Justice Sinha has complained that he was sidetracked on several occasions when many important decisions were taken about the judiciary.

In reply to his comments, Hasina said: "No one is stronger or weaker here. But if we always compare and engage in conflict, then the state cannot run smoothly."

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Law Minister Anisul Huq asked the chief justice to refrain from "complaining in public."

On Friday, Hasina said her government amended the Penal Code and started the procedure to separate the judiciary from the executive branch in 2009.

She highlighted how her government has facilitated judges of both lower and top courts with salary hike, accommodation and other facilities.

Each district will now have separate magistrate courts, she said.

"To simplify and speed up case procedures, both civil and criminal laws are being corrected."