Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized today that a nation’s path to development relies on the foundations of an independent judiciary, a robust parliament, and a capable administration. Speaking at the closing session of the two-day International Conference on ‘South Asian Constitutional Courts in the Twenty-First Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India’ at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), she highlighted the government’s commitment to judicial independence. Hasina pointed out that since assuming power, the judiciary has been separated from the administration, with a distinct budget allocation to ensure financial autonomy.
Acknowledging the past dependence of the Judiciary on the government for financial matters, the Prime Minister detailed the steps taken by her government to create an independent Election Commission. She underscored the significance of detaching the Election Commission from the Prime Minister’s Office, ensuring its complete independence and dedicated funding.
Furthermore, Sheikh Hasina mentioned a constitutional amendment, inspired by a High Court verdict, criminalizing the illegal usurpation of state power. She asserted that this inclusion safeguards the fundamental and democratic rights of the people.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s progress, Hasina announced the country’s recognition as a developing nation effective from 2026. Looking ahead, she expressed the vision of transforming Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country, known as “Golden Bangladesh,” by 2041, in line with the ideals of the nation’s founding leader, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The event also featured remarks from Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Justice Obaidul Hassan, Chief Justice of India, Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Anisul Huq, and Justice M. Enayetur Rahim of the Appellate Division.