Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) today requested Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain to increase the number of virtual High Court benches so that lawyers can move cases during the ongoing restrictions.

SCBA made the request by submitting an application to the office of the chief justice. They are yet to receive any response from the office. 

The application signed by SCBA Secretary Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal said that lawyers have been facing financial crises since they cannot work due to a shortage of High Court benches.

A full bench and chamber judge of the Appellate Division are virtually functioning for five days a week.

Lawyers have been adjusted to moving cases virtually in the last year (of the pandemic period).

Currently, Ramadan is ongoing and Eid-ul-Fitr is ahead. Only four virtual HC benches are now hearing and disposing of cases.

If the number of HC benches is increased, the lawyers can move cases and would be benefited, the SCBA said in the application.

During the proceedings of the Appellate Division on Sunday, the SCBA secretary had requested the chief justice to increase the number of virtual HC benches from four to 10 for the interest of lawyers and disposing of more cases.

On the same day, Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain refused to increase the number of High Court benches, saying that safety is the priority in this difficult period of Covid-19 pandemic.