President asks judges to be careful in exercising their power

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has asked judges and others concerned to take strict care not to abuse their power.
 
"Power is inextricably linked with responsibility. Strict care should be taken to ensure that power is not misused," the president said as he addressed an international conference on the Bangladesh Supreme Court premises on Friday.

The head of state was speaking at the opening ceremony of the two-day conference titled "South Asian Constitutional Courts in the 21st Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India."

President Shahabuddin told judges that the rule of law and justice must be ensured, being responsible to the country, its people and the constitution.
 
The people should get justice within the shortest possible time at a very low cost, and judges have to ensure justice by applying their intellect and wisdom, he said.

Stating that the judiciary must participate in the overall development and prosperity of the country, the president said the government is strongly committed to ensuring transparency, efficiency and accountability for the judiciary.
 
Since its inception on December 18, 1972, the Bangladesh Supreme Court has been working to protect human rights, establish the rule of law and provide justice to litigants within the shortest possible time, the president said.

President Shahabuddin, a former judge and eminent lawyer, said whenever necessary during the transitional time of the nation, the Supreme Court has established the basic human rights of the people and protected the constitution by fulfilling the duties assigned to it.

The Supreme Court, the country's apex court, is playing a dignified role as the guardian and protector of the constitution in peace and crises, he added.