Chief Justice M ihmudul Amin Ghowdhurv on Thursday described democrat as meaningless without the independence of judiciary and said the nation was now-in need ol such . judicial system where people could repose their lull Host in the judges as well as lawyers.

in this respect, he put maximum emphasis i pon a powerful and independent judiciary as in-^vitable for a democratic country since the independent role ol judiciary determines the difference between autocra-y and democracy in upholding the people s fundamental rights. "Autocracy s first move is to deny independence of judiciary.* he said.

Justice Mahmudul Amin Chowdhury was addressing a reception held in his honour at the x* Appellate Division of the Supreme Court as per the convention after he took ov er as the Chief lustice.

Earlier, President Justice Sha-habuddin Ahmed conducted the

oath to the new Chief Justice at Bangabhaban in the morning. Attorney General Mahmudul Islam and President of Supreme Court Lawyers Association Barrister Moinul Hosein also spoke on the occasion. Barrister Nazmul • Huda chaired the reception.

The new Chief Justice referred to a demand from different organisations and individuals for accountability ol judiciary but they could not give any proper idea or conception as to where, how or to whom, this accountability should be made.

“In a democratic country with independence ol judiciary, the judges will rem tin accountable only to the Constitution, laws of the land and their own consciences," he said and lauded the role of lawyers in upholding the independence of judiciary.

Emphasising the need for a powerful bar in terms of knowledge and expertise, Justice Mahmudul Islam Chowdhun de-s» ribed active co iperatlon of the

lawvers as indispensable lor prop-erh conducting judicial activities.

" I he most important factor lor disposal of cases in the quickest possible time Is the best ever cooperation of lawyers.' he said expressing the hope that the lawyers will come forward to protect the judiciary from any attack in future us they have done in the past.

He referred to the successful efforts In different countries of the world for disposal of any dispute through negotiated settlements and said that such initiatives can also be undertaken in our country'.

The lawyers in this respect can play their due role wherever necessary. he sard.

The Chief Justice also termed the judiciary as (he last resort of the people's hopes and aspirations and said the nation now wants disposal of their cases in a short period with low cost.

“No nation can exist with dignity by disregarding the judiciary." lie added.