Justice must be more transparent to make Constitution meaningful, says chief justice

He says constitutional courts must adopt a broader outlook to safeguard people's rights

The judicial process must become more transparent, accessible, and inclusive to make the Constitution meaningful in citizens' lives, Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has said.

Speaking at the anniversary celebration of the Constitutional Court of Türkiye in Istanbul on Friday, he pointed to the role Bangladesh’s higher courts have played in protecting the rights of marginalised communities through suo motu initiatives and public interest litigation.

“This has opened new doors to justice,” Refaat said, according to a statement from the Supreme Court.

In today’s world, constitutional courts must adopt a broader perspective in protecting the rights of the common people,” he added.

The chief justice said, “Particularly in tackling issues such as climate change, justice, digital rights and data protection, artificial intelligence, and transnational inequality, every country must establish a justice system that aligns with its local reality, yet contributes meaningfully to the global landscape.”

Addressing judicial delegates and legal scholars from several countries, he noted that the visit comes at a time when Bangladesh’s judiciary is steadily advancing towards far-reaching structural reforms.