SCBA chief calls for special benches to fast-track women, child abuse trials

He urges the appointment of additional judges to both the Appellate and High Court Divisions to tackle the massive legal backlog

Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon has called for special benches in the Supreme Court to ensure the swift disposal of “sensational” cases, usually those involving the repression of women and children.

He also urged the government to immediately appoint new judges to the higher judiciary to tackle the massive backlog of cases clogging the legal system.

On Sunday, Khokon, the Noakhali-1 MP, also addressed the recent brutal rape and murder of 8-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa Akter in Dhaka.

Calling for an end to lengthy police investigations and protracted judicial processes, the SCBA chief highlighted the psychological toll of legal delays on citizens.

"Past experiences have left people feeling that trials drag on for years without conclusion,” Khokon said.

“We must guarantee swift justice. Speeding up a trial is by no means unlawful," Khokon said.

He expressed deep frustration over the gridlock that occurs at the appellate stage after a lower court hands down a verdict.

"Once a sentence is passed and the case moves to the Appellate Division, nobody knows how many years the appeal hearing will take," he said, explaining the public's lack of trust in government over trial promises.

"Please set up special benches for sensitive incidents, including crimes against women and children,” he urged the chief justice.

The bar leader demanded that the government appoint an adequate number of judges to both the Appellate and High Court Divisions immediately after the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays.