In a decisive move to bolster transparency and accountability within the judiciary, the Government of Bangladesh has mandated that all judicial officials, along with their family members (spouse, son, & daughter), submit detailed statements of their assets within the next 10 working days. This directive, which encompasses all levels of the Bangladesh Judicial Service, marks a significant effort by the government to ensure integrity within one of the nation’s most crucial institutions.
The order was issued through an official notification from the Law and Justice Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs on August 13, 2024. The notification requires all judicial officers, along with their spouses and children, to report their assets, both within the country and abroad.
Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat, emphasized the significance of this directive. “This order, issued in consultation with the Supreme Court, is a crucial step in upholding the principles of transparency and accountability within our judicial system,” Dr. Nazrul stated. He highlighted that the directive includes a comprehensive requirement for judicial officials to disclose all movable and immovable properties owned by them and their families.
The directive comes at a time when the judiciary is under intense public scrutiny, particularly following recent student-led protests and demands for judicial reforms.
The notification specifies that judiciary officials must submit their wealth statements using a prescribed form within 10 working days from the date of issuance. This initiative is viewed as a crucial measure to prevent corruption and ensure that those entrusted with upholding the law are themselves held to the highest standards of integrity.
As the deadline approaches, both the legal community and the public are expected to closely monitor compliance with this directive. The submission of these wealth statements is anticipated to provide a transparent view of the financial standing of judiciary officials, reinforcing the government’s dedication to accountability and transparency in public service.
This development represents a bold step in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen trust in the judicial system, ensuring that the judiciary remains beyond reproach and committed to the principles of fairness and justice. The government’s actions signal a clear message that transparency is non-negotiable in maintaining the integrity of the nation’s legal framework.
