Outgoing chief justice for keeping judiciary free from political influence

The outgoing Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique has urged all to maintain autonomy of the judiciary and shield it from any form of political influence.

"The heart of a republic is the judiciary. It should be kept free from political influence. Failure to do so will bring tumultuous times for the nation," he said during his farewell reception, organised by the attorney general's office and the Supreme Court Bar Association at the Appellate Division chambers on Thursday.

According to Supreme Court sources, the 23rd chief justice of the country, Hasan Foez Siddique is set to retire on 25 September. Thursday was his last working day.

At his farewell reception, the chief justice further underlined the significance of the judiciary as the guardian of fundamental rights and defender of the Constitution, urging judges to demonstrate courage and fairness in their decisions.

"People of the country may lose confidence in the administration and legislative division. But losing confidence in the judiciary will bring dark times for the nation," he said.

"It is the responsibility of judges, lawyers and every responsible citizen of the state to protect the judiciary from social, economic and political influences. It does not bode well for the judiciary when political discord crosses the street and runs towards the court."

The chief justice also urged the judges to keep themselves away from political influence and solve judicial cases in full compliance with the Constitution, laws and their own judicial conscience.

A strong and independent judiciary is essential for a strong democratic system, he said, adding, "The basis of democracy is the rule of law and the complete independence of the judiciary…I would request the politicians and lawyers to think at least 10 times before taking a decision that tarnishes the image of the judiciary, because if the decision is wrong, it will ultimately harm the state and the judiciary"

Justice Hasan Foez Siddique was sworn in as chief justice by then-president of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid on 31 December 2021.

Born on 26 September 1956, in Kushtia, Justice Hasan Foez Siddique was appointed as a judge in the High Court Division on 25 March 2009, and later in the Appellate Division on 31 March 2013. In addition to his role as a judge, he also assumed the position of chairman of the Judicial Service Commission on 30 April 2015.