Protest demanding removal of 4 judges in Panchagarh threatens independent judiciary: Judicial Service Association
It further said while judicial reforms are ongoing, some unwanted incidents have been observed that pose a threat to an independent judiciary
The demand for the removal of four judges of the Panchagarh District and Sessions Judge Court through organising protest marches at the court premises, along with the incident of confining the judges inside the courtroom, poses a threat to the country's independent judiciary, said the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association.
In a statement issued yesterday (29 January), the association has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and swift legal action against those responsible.
The statement said the current interim government and the Supreme Court are committed to establishing an effective and independent judiciary.
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It further said while judicial reforms are ongoing, some unwanted incidents have been observed that pose a threat to an independent judiciary.
It said that on 26 January, a group of individuals demanded the removal of four judges of the Panchagarh District and Sessions Judge Court. They held a protest march at the court premises and confined the judges inside the courtroom, creating a sense of "life-threatening fear" among them. At one point, they locked the main gate of the court, assaulted court employees, and vandalised the windows and doors of the court building.
According to the statement, previously, in various districts of the country, including Munshiganj, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Barishal, Barguna (Patharghata), Kushtia, Naogaon, and Dinajpur, unlawful activities such as gatherings, rallies, and the siege of courts, centered around court orders occurred. These actions not only undermine the dignity of the judiciary but also severely disrupt the environment required to conduct judicial proceedings.
The association further said if a judge engages in illegal activities, there are legal avenues to take action against them. However, instead of following the legal process, creating chaos in the court premises, holding unlawful rallies, confining judges, assaulting court staff, and vandalising court buildings are attempts to intimidate judges. Such actions tarnish the image of the state and the judiciary and destabilise the country.
In light of this, the Judicial Service Association has demanded the establishment of a separate Court Security Force (CSF) under the control and supervision of the Supreme Court to ensure the security of all court premises and judges across the country.
