Judges barred from involvement in commercial coaching activities

Members of the Bangladesh Judicial Service will not be allowed to directly or indirectly engage in coaching activities operated on a commercial basis, whether conducted in person or through digital platforms.

Registrar General of the Supreme Court Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui issued a circular on the matter on Monday night (August 24), with the approval of the Chief Justice.

The circular said the instructions were issued to uphold the professional discipline, impartiality and dignity of members of the Bangladesh Judicial Service and to maintain strong public confidence in the judiciary.

According to the circular, no member of the service may directly or indirectly be involved in commercially operated coaching activities conducted in person or through digital platforms.

They will also be barred from allowing their name, designation, photograph or identity to be used directly or indirectly in promotional or publicity activities related to coaching for commercial purposes, whether in person or through digital platforms.

The circular further prohibits service members from disclosing, providing or using any confidential, unpublished or official information obtained in the course of performing their judicial duties in coaching activities conducted in person or through digital platforms.

Members of the service will also not be allowed to prepare, edit, publish or provide educational materials for commercially operated coaching activities, whether conducted in person or through digital platforms.

The circular warned that if any provision of the instructions is violated, appropriate action will be taken against the concerned member of the service under the applicable laws and rules relating to disciplinary matters.