Decision on separate judicial secretariat to be made by constitutional amendment committee: Law Minister

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said the decision on establishing a separate secretariat for the judiciary will be made by the constitutional amendment committee, as the issue is related to the Constitution.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a ceremony marking the conclusion of the second batch of interns and the reception of the third batch under the Attorney General’s Office internship programme at the Supreme Court Auditorium on Tuesday.

Referring to the Cyber Security Act, the minister said the government plans to control the misuse of artificial intelligence on social media. He also said that, in future, people will no longer be allowed to become lawyers after the age of 35.

Asaduzzaman said the internship programme of the Attorney General’s Office would play an important role in developing talented, skilled and ethical lawyers capable of taking on leadership roles in the country’s future. He said success in the legal profession requires not only knowledge of law but also an understanding of various subjects, including economics, sociology and political science, alongside ethical principles and human values.

The minister said the internship programme was launched to prepare talented young graduates in law from different universities for future leadership roles. The plan is to provide practical experience to at least 100 interns annually, offering 500 people such opportunities over five years.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of students from both public and private universities and maintaining a merit-based, transparent and impartial selection process.

He said that, alongside formal university education, practical experience in courts and the legal profession was important for developing young lawyers’ skills. Through internships at the Attorney General’s Office, students have the opportunity to understand real working environments and gain the experience needed to fulfil their professional responsibilities.

Highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the legal profession, the minister said lawyers must be prepared to adapt to technological changes. He said they needed to strengthen their analytical thinking, practical experience and professional skills, as well as develop the ability to work effectively in changing circumstances.

On lawmaking and reform, he referred to ongoing work on various issues, including amendments to the Human Rights Commission Act, the Transfer of Property Act and cyber laws. He also noted that young lawyers could contribute their talent, knowledge and creativity to drafting and reviewing these laws.

Emphasising the need to enhance the professional standing of lawyers, Asaduzzaman said they must identify various irregularities in society and play an effective role in eliminating them. He said lawyers were regarded as the engineers of society because of their contributions to solving social problems and bringing about positive change.

He further said that professional success must go hand in hand with honesty, accountability and ethics. Deceiving clients, excessive greed for money and attempts to influence judicial proceedings unethically were contrary to the dignity of the legal profession, he said. He stressed the need to ensure proper enforcement of the professional code of conduct for lawyers.

The law minister called on lawyers to come forward to ensure access to justice for financially disadvantaged people.