Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul speaks during the Chief Justice’s inaugural address at the Supreme Court on Saturday (September 21). Photo: Collected
Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has described the appointment of Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed as the ‘signature statement’ of the interim government.
“It is the signature statement of the interim government. And it proves that we value merit above all,” he said during the Chief Justice's inaugural address at the Supreme Court on Saturday (September 21).
"If there is any judge in the judiciary who accepts gifts like swords from individuals or flowers from student organisations, or who advises the Ministry of Home Affairs to deprive people of their fundamental rights, it is detrimental to the judiciary," he said, pointing to the judiciary.
He urged the judges not to harbour any partisan views and advised them to act according to their conscience, ensuring fairness and justice for all. "Those in the lower courts should minimise harassment for the people as much as possible."
Nazrul also condemned any form of attacks on petitioners, stating that such actions are unacceptable.
He highlighted the judiciary’s essential role, asserting that it must be the most responsible institution in the country, saying, "You must take responsibility."
The adviser revealed that initiatives to reform the judiciary are already underway, with a commission formed to oversee these efforts. "We want to end the harassment people face through frivolous lawsuits."
Pointing at the issue of public transport, Nazrul said, "In a poor country, public transport should be the most widely available. I do not support the increasing use of private vehicles, even though I myself was forced to use a car for security reasons, despite not wanting one."
