Justice depends on the personality, impartiality and courage of judges: Justice Mainul

The best guarantee of justice depends on the personality, competence, ability, impartiality and courage of judges, said Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances. He said this at a workshop held at a hotel in Gulshan, the capital, on Saturday (November 29).

The day-long workshop was organized by the Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances and in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Dhaka.

Mainul Islam Chowdhury said that a judge should try every case with equal zeal, rigor and integrity. Every morning when judges put on their robes, they should remember the words of the Constitution. The republic will be a democracy where all fundamental human rights and freedoms are ensured.

Addressing the judges, he further said, "Let us build a judicial system where a hawker in Dhaka, a garment worker in Khulna or a rickshaw puller in Sylhet can also say, 'We trust the courts, we trust the justice system.'"

Huma Khan, Chief of Mission of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights in Dhaka, said, "The impartiality, professionalism and accountability of judges are very important to ensure justice. The tragic fate of the victims of disappearances and the prolonged uncertainty of their families deeply concern the society."

He said, "Most of the victim families I have spoken to are suffering from social pressure and mental distress. Intimidation in handling cases, investigation complications and pressure from influential circles have created major obstacles in the path of justice." He praised the overall activities of the commission for conducting its work in a fair and impartial manner and thanked all concerned, including the commission's president and members.

Commission members Justice Md. Farid Ahmed Shibli, Md. Nur Khan, Secretary of Law and Justice Department Liaquat Ali Mollah spoke.

The working session was conducted by Commission Member Md. Sajjad Hossain. The workshop was moderated by Commission Member Dr. Nabila Idris. About 90 trainees, including judges working in various courts and tribunals of the country, participated in it.