Dhaka, Friday, December 26, 2025 – Bangladesh judiciary reforms 2025 delivered notable administrative gains, including the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance and procedural amendments. The Bangladesh case backlog in 2025, however, continues unabated, with nearly 47 lakh cases pending nationwide.
Reforms focused on judicial independence and efficiency gained traction under the interim government. Structural challenges and implementation gaps limit the impact on case disposal.
Key Advances in Bangladesh Court Reforms 2025
Bangladesh’s 2025 court reforms achieved a landmark with the promulgation of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance. Approved in late 2025, it establishes a dedicated secretariat for the apex court.
The ordinance separates judicial administration from the Ministry of Law. The Supreme Court now handles its own budget preparation and staff recruitment.
The Chief Justice’s authority extends to financial approvals up to specified thresholds. This reduces executive oversight, a practice long criticised by legal experts.
Draft laws on judicial appointments and commercial benches advanced. The Judicial Reform Commission submitted comprehensive proposals in early 2025.
Amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure reached the final stages. New ordinances addressed enforced disappearances and international crimes.
Bangladesh judiciary reforms 2025 also activated the Supreme Judicial Council. Collegium-based appointments began replacing previous systems.
Bangladesh Case Backlog 2025: Scale and Causes
Bangladesh’s case backlog in 2025 totals around 47 lakh cases. The lower judiciary accounts for over 38 lakh pending matters.
The High Court Division carries more than 5 lakh cases. Appellate Division handles additional thousands.
New filings outpace disposals annually. One judicial officer serves approximately 90,000 citizens on average.
Vacancies in judge positions exacerbate delays. Adjournments and inadequate infrastructure contribute significantly.
The judicial reforms backlog in Bangladesh persists despite increased disposals in select periods. The first half of 2025 saw higher clearance in some districts.
Digitisation initiatives cover limited benches. Paperless systems and e-filing remain partial.
Background: Roots of Bangladesh Judicial Reforms Backlog
The judicial reforms backlog in Bangladesh traces back to pre-independence eras. Post-1971 growth in litigation strained resources.
The 2024 mass uprising accelerated demands for reform. Protesters highlighted political interference and the slow pace of justice.
The interim government formed six reform commissions in September 2024. Judicial panel led by retired justices examined systemic issues.
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed outlined a roadmap shortly after assuming office. Nationwide consultations are expected to be concluded by mid-2025.
International organisations supported technical assistance. Comparative models from India and Sri Lanka informed proposals.
Previous attempts at separating the judiciary have stalled repeatedly. The 2025 ordinance revives long-standing constitutional directives.
Implementation Challenges in Bangladesh Judiciary Reforms 2025
Bangladesh’s judiciary reforms for 2025 face hurdles with significant recommendations. Decentralisation to upazila-level courts remains pending.
Permanent judicial service cadre and separate investigation agency proposals await approval. Constitutional changes are required for full effect.
The Commercial Courts Ordinance has been passed, but its operationalisation is delayed. Specialised benches need infrastructure and trained personnel.
Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are underutilised. Village courts handle minor cases, but coverage is limited.
Corruption prevention measures are underdeveloped. False case filing deterrents lack enforcement.
Legal education overhaul untouched. Training institutes require modernisation.
Commission members voiced concerns over the pace. Every day, litigants continue facing harassment and costs.
What’s Next for Bangladesh Court Reforms
Parliamentary approval is required for ordinances after an election. National polls scheduled for 2026 include referendum provisions.
Secretariat rules drafting underway. Full operationalisation expected in early 2026.
Judge recruitment targets thousands of positions. Fast-track processes planned.
Case management software expansion nationwide. Monitoring dashboards to track pendency.
Increased funding allocation is anticipated in the upcoming budget. Donor support continues for digitisation.
The Bangladesh case backlog reduction demands a multi-year strategy in 2025. Coordinated executive-judicial action is essential.
The backlog of judicial reforms in Bangladesh highlights the complexity of change. Sustained political will is crucial for results.
The 2025 Bangladesh court reforms provide foundational steps. Effective implementation determines long-term success.
The journey toward efficient justice continues. Bangladesh judiciary reforms 2025 mark progress amid enduring challenges.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 26th, 2025
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