Regular operations at lower courts suspended

FT ONLINE 

Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain has directed lower courts across the country to limit operations to just urgent matters and suspend regular activities to hold the spread of coronavirus.

The Supreme Court administration issued a notice on Sunday containing the chief justice's directive.

"Courts are asked to limit their activities except for some matters like bail, injunction and any urgent issues for a reasonable period of time," read the notice. 

Mohammad Saifur Rahman, a special officer of the Supreme Court, confirmed the matter to the media.  

He said, "Almost all activities of lower courts will be suspended. However, judges and employees will go to work on a regular basis."

The Supreme Court is on vacation till March 28. 

Saifur said a decision may be made soon on whether the Supreme Court will return to its regular operations after the vacation or it will suspend all activities.

Earlier on Sunday, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam met the chief justice at his Supreme Court office. 

After the meeting, Alam told journalists that he had suggested to the chief justice to keep the operations of the lower judiciary limited to urgent matters in this critical time.