¶¶Òõ¾«Æ·

Attorney general Md Asaduzzaman on Tuesday emphasised the vital role of law reporters in promoting transparency and accountability in the judiciary.

He made the remarks while addressing, as chief guest, the felicitation programme for the newly elected 12-member executive committee of the Law Reporters’ Forum at the Supreme Court Bar Association building in Dhaka.

NTV’s special correspondent Hasan Zabed has been elected as president of the forum with ¶¶Òõ¾«Æ· senior correspondent Moneruzzaman Mission as its general secretary.

Reflecting on his own experience as a former Dhaka Court correspondent for The Daily Star, the attorney general noted that the judiciary is deeply intertwined with the nation’s key affairs.

‘The High Court holds wide-ranging powers and often intervenes in matters concerning the executive branch,’ he said.

‘Its influence reaches the public largely through the tireless efforts of court reporters.’

Asaduzzaman recalled the time when judges themselves welcomed media attention and were eager to see their rulings reported prominently in newspapers and electronic media.

This close interaction between the judiciary and the news media, he said, played an important role in strengthening public trust in the judiciary and its institutional accountability.

Responsible legal journalism has the power to shape public perception, inspire confidence in the justice system, and deter misconduct, he further stressed.

‘The relationship between the judiciary and the media is not just functional — it is transformative,’ he added.

The attorney general also called for unity among journalists.

‘Divisions within the media community only weaken its collective strength,’ he said.

‘The Law Reporters’ Forum must uphold the standards of solidarity, professionalism, and ethical journalism, like any other journalist body.’

Expressing concern over signs of division within journalists’ bodies, Asaduzzaman urged for cohesion among its members.

‘Differences of opinion are natural. But when press bodies appear fractured —either in vision or in practice — the integrity of our institutions suffers,’ he cautioned.

He concluded by reminding journalists that if they failed to exercise their constitutional rights and speak in a united voice, their contributions may be forgotten over time.

The event was also addressed by SCBA president AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, retired district judge and lawyer Shahjahan Sazu, senior lawyers Bodruddoza Badal, Kayser Kamal, Motaher Hossain Saju, Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajol, and Mohammad Shishir Manir.