Dhaka, December 11, 2025 — Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, inaugurated the newly established Supreme Court Secretariat and a dedicated Supreme Court Help Line Center today, marking a significant step toward judicial independence.
Inauguration of the Supreme Court Secretariat
The Supreme Court Secretariat, located at Administrative Building-4 (adjacent to the Supreme Court Jame Masjid) of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, was officially opened by the Chief Justice at 3:20 PM.
During the inauguration, the Chief Justice described the day as a "historic juncture," stating that this achievement was made possible through collective cooperation and effort.
He emphasized that the establishment of the Secretariat legally vests the constitutional authority for managing the judiciary and its operations directly with the Supreme Court.
"From today, we will enjoy the success of this Secretariat, and likewise, the accountability for any failure will also rest upon us," the Chief Justice said.
He called upon political parties and all stakeholders to ensure that the Supreme Court Secretariat maintains its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and democracy in the future.
Distinguished Attendees
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Justices of the Appellate Division , Dr. Asif Nazrul, Advisor to the Interim Government on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ambassadors from various foreign embassies and the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, UNDP Resident Representative, Attorney General for Bangladesh, President and Acting Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Vice Chairman of the Bar Council, Senior Secretary of the Supreme Court Secretariat and the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Law and senior lawyers and officials from the Supreme Court Secretariat and Registry.
Background on the Secretariat’s Establishment
The establishment of the Secretariat follows the issuance of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025, which aims to ensure the full independence of the judiciary. This ordinance was published by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on November 30, 2025, upon instruction from the President.
Key developments leading up to the inauguration include:
December 1, 2025: The Chief Justice of Bangladesh assigned Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqi, Registrar General of the Supreme Court, with the additional charge of Secretary of the Supreme Court Secretariat.
December 1, 2025: An eight-member "Post Creation" Committee was formed, chaired by Honorable Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam of the Appellate Division.
December 7, 2025: The Post Creation Committee decided to create 489 officer and supporting staff positions for the Secretariat.
December 10, 2025: An eight-member "Development and Planning" Committee was constituted, chaired by Honorable Justice Rezatul Hoque of the Appellate Division.
Launch of the Supreme Court Help Line Center
Earlier in the day, at 3:00 PM, Chief Justice Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed also inaugurated a dedicated "Supreme Court Help Line Center" office.
The modern facility is located on the second floor, South-West corner (the former High Court Dispatch Branch) of the main building of the Bangladesh Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court Help Line service was initially launched on September 26, 2024, to assist litigants and service recipients who face difficulties or obstacles in accessing services from any branch of the Supreme Court Registry.
Following a significant positive response, a second help line number was introduced on January 5, 2025. The service was subsequently expanded to 64 District and Sessions Judge Courts and 8 Metropolitan Sessions Judge Courts across the country.
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