DHAKA — The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has officially transitioned to a hybrid operational model, introducing virtual court sessions and revised office timings to support national energy-saving efforts.
The move is part of a wider government strategy to address the current global energy crisis by reducing electricity, gas, and fuel consumption by 30% across all public sectors.
Shift to Digital Justice
Under the new directives, the Supreme Court’s High Court and Appellate Divisions—including the Chamber Judge’s Court—will conduct all judicial proceedings via virtual platforms every Wednesday and Thursday.
These remote sessions are held in accordance with the Use of Information Technology by Court Act, 2020. To ensure transparency, the judiciary is publishing daily cause lists and digital meeting links directly on the Supreme Court’s official website, allowing legal professionals and litigants to join hearings remotely.
Revised Schedules and Fuel Cuts
To maximize daylight usage and reduce utility expenses, the court has adjusted its daily office hours:
Appellate Division: Now operates from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
High Court Division: Now operates from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Furthermore, the judiciary has mandated a strict 30% cut in fuel allocations for all official vehicles. These measures follow an 11-point austerity plan issued by the Cabinet Division earlier this year aimed at stabilizing the national economy.
Productivity Gains
Despite the shift to a virtual format, judicial efficiency remains high. On the first day of the new system, April 22, 2026, the court successfully managed a heavy caseload:
The Appellate Division heard 95 matters and disposed of 21 cases.
The High Court Division conducted 612 hearings, resulting in 156 disposals.
With a total of 177 cases resolved in a single day through digital presence, officials noted that the transition has not hindered the delivery of justice. According to Md. Shafiqul Islam, the Supreme Court’s Public Relations Officer, these protocols will remain in place until further notice as part of the country's ongoing commitment to resource conservation.
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