Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed today addressed the inaugural ceremony of the 'Continuing Professional Development (CPD)' at the Supreme Court auditorium. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Nov 24, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed today said a well-trained lawyer plays an indispensable role as a vital pillar of an effective justice system.

"The justice process advances with far greater clarity when lawyers regularly update their knowledge and strengthen their preparation. This allows judicial time to be used more efficiently and ultimately enhances their ability to deliver justice timely," he said.

The Chief Justice was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 'Continuing Professional Development (CPD)' for advocates and 'Digital BLT Online Platform' as chief guest at the Supreme Court auditorium this evening.

Refaat Ahmed said a well-trained lawyer is not only an asset to the people of the country but also a necessary pillar of an effective justice system.

Referring to the global transformation of legal and constitutional institutions, he said the launching event of the platform was taking place at a time when Bangladesh's legal profession was changing rapidly due to digital transformation, cross-border economic activities, tech-driven governance, new forms of evidence and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in legal analysis.

"We must now acknowledge that traditional models of legal practice, training and court engagement are no longer sufficient for a modern, efficient, citizen-centric and globally competitive justice system," the Chief Justice said.

He added that the CPD initiative reflects the momentum of various development programmes undertaken over the past 16 months, during which the judiciary has consistently emphasized institutional strengthening and professional development as the twin pillars of long-term judicial independence.

As part of these reforms, he said, the judiciary has introduced several operational initiatives aimed at making justice more accessible and effective, including the Supreme Court Helplines and Nationwide Judicial Helplines, paperless benches in the High Court Division, automated cause lists and fast case management systems in selected districts.

"A transforming judiciary requires a transforming bar. Without this balance, the justice system inevitably moves towards imbalance. That is why today's CPD programme is so timely and indispensable for our lawyers," he said.

Expressing optimism that Digital BLT will advance these ambitions further, the Chief Justice said the initiative would bring learning and research under a unified digital framework.

Chaired by Attorney General and Chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council Md Asaduzzaman, it was also addressed by Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council and senior advocate Zainul Abedin and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and Chairman of the Bar Council's Human Rights and Legal Aid Committee AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon.

Bar Council Executive Committee Chairman and senior advocate Md. Ruhul Quddus Kajol conducted the event.

Prominent figures from the legal and judicial sectors, teachers and students from various academic institutions, distinguished members of the Bar Council, and representatives of development partners were also present at the event.