The government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, took several initiatives to reform and strengthen the judiciary system in Bangladesh. His vision was to establish a fair and independent judiciary that would ensure justice for all.
Initiative in Judiciary of Bangladesh by the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
One of his major initiatives was the introduction of the Code of Criminal Procedure in 1973, which replaced the British-era Criminal Procedure Code of 1898. This new code introduced several important reforms, such as the provision for bail, the right of the accused to be represented by a lawyer, and the requirement for a speedy trial. It also introduced the concept of plea bargaining and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Bangabandhu also established the first law commission of Bangladesh in 1972, with the aim of reviewing and updating the country’s laws. The commission was tasked with recommending necessary changes to existing laws and proposing new laws that were required to meet the needs of the newly independent nation.
Another significant initiative was the establishment of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh in 1972. Prior to this, the highest court in the country was the High Court of East Pakistan, which had limited jurisdiction. The Supreme Court was given extensive powers and jurisdiction over all courts in the country. This move was aimed at ensuring the independence of the judiciary and reducing political interference in the legal system.
Furthermore, Bangabandhu also introduced a legal aid system in 1974, with the aim of providing free legal aid to those who could not afford it. This initiative was aimed at ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic status, had access to justice.
Overall, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s initiatives in the judiciary system of Bangladesh were crucial in establishing a fair and independent legal system in the country. His vision and efforts in this regard have continued to shape the legal system in Bangladesh to this day.
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