The semi-annual Judicial Department conference was held on Saturday at the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court conference room to address systemic bottlenecks delaying civil and criminal justice in the district.
Senior District and Sessions Judge Sharif A. M. Reza Zaker presided over the convention, which brought together top judges, police officials, medical authorities, and bar association leaders.
Judicial Magistrate Sourav Roy Mithu and Civil Judge Arif Afsar Shuvo opened the session with a concept paper highlighting the current status of case disposals from January to April 2026. While the overall numbers showed progress, attendees focused on persistent administrative issues that slow down the legal pipeline.
Protracted delays by state offices in submitting written responses or testimonies in lawsuits where the government is the defendant. Failures by authorities to execute family court orders within a reasonable timeframe, leaving vulnerable decree-holders without timely maintenance or dowry recovery.
Structural errors in police investigation reports, arrest memos, and medical certificates that frequently compromise trials.
Bhola Chief Judicial Magistrate Abu Salem Md. Noman highlighted how late police investigations and flawed seizure lists stall proceedings, while also advocating for virtual witness testimonies to accelerate trials.
Addressing these operational gaps, Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Monirul Islam announced new, strict guidelines for district medical officers to eliminate errors in medical certificates. Simultaneously, Superintendent of Police Md. Shahidullah Kawsar pledged targeted training for police officers on drafting legally airtight arrest memos and investigation reports.
Beyond paperwork, the conference raised serious alarms over the safety of judicial staff and the public. Speakers highlighted an ongoing crisis of unsecure court premises, noting a lack of security forces inside courtrooms and the absence of safety search checkpoints at the main entry gates.
The forum concluded with a unanimous call for immediate security upgrades and the recruitment of more judges to handle the district's rising caseload.
