Law, justice and parliamentary affairs minister Md Asaduzzaman on Monday said that post-retirement jobs or incentives for judges could undermine judicial integrity and weaken institutions like the Supreme Court.
He said placing retired judges in ‘lucrative or influential positions’ or keeping such opportunities pending may create pressure within the justice system and affect judicial independence.
The minister made the remarks at a programme titled ‘Convocation and Orientation: Attorney General Office–UNDP Internship Programme’ at the Supreme Court auditorium in Dhaka.
He questioned why former judges seek positions in state-owned commissions or private companies as arbitrators after retirement. According to him, such practices may create conflicts of interest and damage the credibility of the judiciary.
Asaduzzaman, who previously served as attorney general, recalled that similar concerns were raised over appointing a retired chief justice to lead a caretaker government. He warned that such decisions could ‘shake the judiciary.’
He also criticised the performance of the Law Commission. He said more than Tk 150 crore has been spent over two decades, but only eight out of 169 recommendations have been implemented. He described the outcome as very limited.
The minister said the government is working to modernise the Attorney General’s Office and improve its capacity. He added that plans for infrastructure development have been included in the budget.
He also called for reforms to the Bangladesh Bar Council examination system, saying it should be more inclusive and updated for students from different academic backgrounds.
Referring to professional accountability, he criticised misconduct by some lawyers. He mentioned an allegation against former judge-turned-lawyer Masder Hossain, who allegedly took Tk 1.20 crore from a client without delivering results.
‘We do not want such lawyers. We want professionals who contribute to the country,’ he said.
He stressed the need to improve the standards and image of the legal profession. He said young lawyers should uphold integrity, competence, and a sense of public service.
A total of 25 law graduates from eight universities, including the University of Dhaka, University of Rajshahi and BRAC University, have joined the second batch of a six-month internship programme at the Attorney General’s Office, supported by UNDP.
The programme was chaired by attorney general Md Ruhul Quddus. Among others, UNDP resident representative Stefan Liller, Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks, and Supreme Court Bar Association president AM Mahbub Uddin spoke at the event.
Deputy attorney general and programme director Tasnuva Shelley moderated the event, while Romana Schweiger, UNDP Bangladesh’s senior adviser on rule of law, justice and security, anchored the programme.
