Ordinance to set up separate SC Secretariat promulgated

The president has promulgated the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025, paving the way for the creation of an independent secretariat for the Supreme Court – a long-standing demand aimed at ensuring the complete institutional independence of the judiciary.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs published gazette notification under the directive of the President of the republic. 

The Supreme Court confirmed the development through a press release signed by its Public Relations Officer, Md Shafiqul Islam, on Sunday night, November 30.

The move follows the Advisory Council’s final approval of the draft ordinance on November 20, clearing the last major procedural hurdle before issuance.

The push for a separate secretariat gained momentum on October 27, 2024, when the Chief Justice initiated a proposal seeking structural reforms to ensure the judiciary’s institutional independence.

The Supreme Court submitted to the Law Ministry:

A draft ordinance to establish a separate Judicial Secretariat,

A proposed organogram for the new administrative structure,

Recommendations on necessary reforms to the Rules of Business and Allocation of Business to support the transition.

The proposal underscored the need for the High Court Division to exercise proper supervision and control over subordinate courts and tribunals through its own administrative framework – free from executive influence.

With the new ordinance now promulgated, the formation of a separate Supreme Court Secretariat has become a reality.

Officials say the measure represents a “historic milestone” in Bangladesh’s judicial landscape and reflects the interim government’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence.

Further details on the operational structure of the new secretariat are expected to be announced in the coming days.