District and Sessions Judge Md Tajul Islam has earned a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree from the Faculty of Law at Rajshahi University.

The university formally awarded him the degree at its Syndicate meeting held on 13 August.

According to university sources, the title of Tajul’s research was translated into English as “Archaic Quandary of Criminal Justice System in Bangladesh: Quest for the Alternative.”

The research examines various aspects of modernising Bangladesh’s long-standing criminal justice system, expediting the disposal of cases, and exploring alternatives and reforms to the existing judicial framework.

In particular, the study discusses the prospects of bringing meaningful reforms to the country’s criminal justice system by revising, updating and expanding nearly two-century-old laws enacted during the British colonial period, while aligning them with international best practices.

Renowned academics and researchers from home and abroad were present at his viva voce examination. They reportedly appreciated the quality and relevance of his research.

Reacting to his achievement, Tajul expressed gratitude to the Almighty, his teachers, fellow researchers and family members. He also expressed his determination to apply the knowledge gained through his research for the welfare of the country.

A distinguished judicial career

Md Tajul Islam is currently serving as a district and sessions judge at the Meherpur Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. He was born on 31 January 1984 in Kushodanga village of Kalaroa upazila in Satkhira district, into a respected Muslim family.

He passed his SSC examination in 2000 and HSC examination in 2002, securing first division in both. He subsequently obtained an LLB (Honours) degree from the Department of Law at the University of Dhaka (DU) in 2006 and an LLM degree in 2007.

He also completed a master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and earned a special degree in Development Studies from DU.

Tajul passed the third Bangladesh Judicial Service (BJS) examination at his first attempt and joined the Khulna District Judge’s Court as an assistant judge. He was subsequently promoted and served as a senior judicial magistrate in Dhaka and as a joint district and sessions judge in Thakurgaon, Meherpur and Jhenaidah.

He also served as an additional district and sessions judge in Kushtia and Jashore district judge’s courts.

At various stages of his judicial career, he has earned appreciation for his role in expediting the disposal of cases and reducing case backlogs. While serving as an additional district and sessions judge in Kushtia, he set a record in 2022 by disposing of 55 murder cases.

Vision for a backlog-free judiciary

Tajul began his judicial career as an assistant judge in 2008. One of his key objectives has been to contribute to establishing a judiciary free from case backlogs and ensuring speedy justice for litigants.

Alongside his judicial responsibilities, he has continued to conduct research and write on law and the justice system. He has also worked to raise public awareness about legal matters and encourage law students to engage with issues concerning judicial reform and the reduction of case backlogs.

His integrity, dedication, humanitarian values and efforts to expedite the disposal of cases have earned him recognition within the judicial community.

Author and legal researcher

Alongside his judicial duties, Tajul is also known as a legal researcher and columnist. He regularly writes for newspapers and periodicals on contemporary legal and judicial issues.

Three of his books have already been published: A Simple Guide to Constitutional Law, Juvenile Delinquency in Bangladesh: Identifying the Causes with Prevention and Rehabilitation–a book on juvenile law, and Law and Justice System in Bangladesh: 50 Years of Independence.

His book on juvenile law has reportedly been translated into nine languages worldwide.

In his personal life, Tajul is married. His wife, Ferdousi Akter, is an assistant professor in the Department of English at Islamic University, Kushtia. They have two daughters and a son.

Tajul is the youngest among seven brothers and one sister. His father, Abul Hossain, was a retired professor, while his mother, Jamila Begum, was a homemaker.

His latest academic achievement is expected to further strengthen his ongoing efforts, through judicial service, research and writing, to contribute to the development of Bangladesh’s justice system and ensure speedy access to justice for the people.