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Chief justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Saturday emphasised the need for upholding the dignity of the legal profession, pointing out that conduct on court premises has often failed to meet the high ideals expected of it.

Speaking at a workshop titled ‘Practicality of Law Practice’ organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association in its auditorium, the chief justice urged newly inducted members of the legal fraternity to approach their responsibilities with the seriousness and commitment the profession demands.

‘The Supreme Court is not merely a seat of justice but the custodian of the constitution, the protector of rights, and the conscience of the nation. Recent incidents have reminded us that conduct on these premises has, at times, fallen short of the ideals we hold dear,’ he said.

The chief justice called upon lawyers to restore the dignity of the profession, ensuring that the bar remains a beacon of integrity, professionalism, and justice.

‘This is not the Supreme Court Bar we envision. It is upon each of you to uplift its stature and preserve its role as a cornerstone of justice,’ he said.

The chief justice underscored the challenges of practising law but stressed the importance of courage, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to justice.

‘Together, as bench and bar, we must stand as firm guardians of justice and equity, ensuring that the rule of law continues to guide our society, not just for today but for generations to come,’ he said.

The event was attended by Appellate Division judge Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, High Court judge, Justice Farah Mahbub, attorney general Md Asaduzzaman, the association president, AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, and senior lawyer Zainul Abedin, among others.

Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury called on lawyers to work collectively to rebuild public confidence in the judiciary, emphasising the importance of professional integrity and conduct both inside and outside the courtroom.

‘Engage in politics if you want to, but keep it outside courts. Inside the courtroom, you are the learned members of the bar, bound by the ethics and responsibilities of this noble profession,’ he said, while delivering a lecture on professional decorum and courtroom behavior.

Justice Zubayer stressed the need for lawyers to maintain collegiality, irrespective of political affiliations. ‘You may engage in legal battles within the courtroom, but outside your interactions must be marked by mutual respect and friendliness,’ he added.

Attorney general Asaduzzaman stressed the importance of state attorneys’ prioritising their responsibility to assist the courts in upholding the rule of law, rather than blindly defending government actions.

‘It disrespects the legal profession if state attorneys believe their sole duty is to justify every government action before the court,’ Asaduzzaman said.

He highlighted the misconception that the primary role of state attorneys was to oppose defendants’ cases and validate all government decisions.

‘The Attorney General’s Office is not an extension of the government, but an institution for the state, representing the legal interests of Bangladesh,’ he clarified.

Urging professionalism and integrity, Asaduzzaman reminded state lawyers that their primary responsibility is to properly present the law and its interpretations.

‘As lawyers, your duty is to assist the court in establishing justice, not to serve partisan interests,’ he stated.

The attorney general also advised against unnecessary legal actions that burden the judiciary.

‘There is no need to file appeals against every High Court bail order. I have instructed my colleagues to avoid such appeals, which has significantly reduced the number of criminal miscellaneous cases in the Appellate Division.’

He further instructed state attorneys not to oppose cases where it is apparent that justice seekers are being unnecessarily harassed.

‘If courts deliver verdicts seemingly favouring the government, but their reasoning risks setting a problematic legal precedent, it is your duty as state attorneys to draw the court’s attention to these concerns,’ he added.

He also emphasised maintaining decorum in court proceedings.

‘Misbehaviour with the courts undermines the dignity of the legal profession. Such conduct is unacceptable from state attorneys,’ he warned.