Dhaka, Jan 01 (V7N) – Newly appointed Chief Justice Zubair Rahman Chowdhury has issued strict instructions to judges of subordinate courts across the country regarding the use of social media, including Facebook, during official working hours.

Addressing judges at a recent meeting held at the Supreme Court Auditorium, the Chief Justice said there is no scope for using social media during court hours. He warned that if any judge is found using social media during office hours and evidence is produced, “that day will be the last day of his judicial life.”

In his address, Chief Justice Chowdhury directed judicial officers to take effective steps to improve the court environment, deliver orders and verdicts without unnecessary delay, maintain integrity, and prevent the entry of outsiders into court premises.

He also emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, stating that there is no opportunity to shelter any form of irregularity or corruption while serving on the bench. If any judicial officer is found guilty of corruption or misconduct, strict action will be taken, he warned.

It may be noted that the office hours of subordinate courts are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, while court proceedings run from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with a scheduled break for lunch and prayers.

On December 23, President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed Zubair Rahman Chowdhury, a senior judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, as the 26th Chief Justice of Bangladesh, exercising powers under Article 95(1) of the Constitution. He was formally sworn in by the President at Bangabhaban on December 28.

END/SMA/AJ