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Historical Background of Metropolitan Sessions Court, Sylhet:
Sylhet, located on the banks of the Surma River, was designated a metropolitan city in March 2009. Known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance, Sylhet is often called the spiritual capital of Bangladesh and is recognized as the most economically prosperous district in the country. To meet the needs of its expanding population, the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh established a Metropolitan Court in Sylhet to deliver justice and judicial services.
Sylhet, traditionally known as the holy land of Aulia (360 saints), has grown into a bustling mega city. In response to this growth, the Metropolitan Judiciary Department commenced operations on September 1, 2013, on the 2nd floor of the Sylhet Chief Judicial Magistrate Court. This new department includes the Honorable Metropolitan Sessions Court, one Additional Metropolitan Sessions Court, and two Joint Metropolitan Sessions Courts. These subordinate courts handle all types of criminal cases within the Sylhet metropolitan area, including appeals, revisions, and other special cases.
The first Metropolitan Sessions Judge was the late Hon'ble Akbar Hossain Mridha, followed by the late Mofizur Rahman Bhuiyan, former Director General (Legal) of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Md. Abdur Rahim served next before being transferred to Rajshahi as District and Sessions Judge. He was followed by Mr. AQM Nashir Uddin, who is currently serving as the Sylhet Senior District and Sessions Judge. On April 2, 2024, Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee assumed the role of Metropolitan Sessions Judge (Senior District Judge) of Sylhet.
On the same day, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court was established under the Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court. This court aims to ensure justice for residents in the six police station areas of the Sylhet Metropolitan Police: Kotwali, Shahparan, Moglabazar, Dakshin Surma, Airport, and Jalalabad. The Sylhet Metropolitan Magistrate system includes 5 Judicial Courts, 6 cognizance taking Courts, 1 Speedy Trial Court, 1 Forest Court, and 1 Environment Court.
The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) is typically an Additional District and Sessions Judge, while the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) is usually a Joint District and Sessions Judge. The first judge of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court was Mr. A. B. M. Zahirul Gani Chowdhury, followed by Mr. Md. Saifuzzaman Hero, Mr. Md. Abul Kashem, and Md. Amirul Islam. At present, Mr. Shahrear Arafat holds the position of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Additionally, three first-class magistrates from the judiciary serve as Metropolitan Magistrates (MM) under the supervision of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate.
To ensure smooth court operations and provide services to the public, six departments have been established: Nezarat, Accounts, Copy, Record, Store, and Library. Each department is managed by a Metropolitan Magistrate with the support of dedicated staff.
Compiled by: Saifur Rahman, Metropolitan Magistrate, 1st Court
Sharmeen Khanam Neela, Metropolitan Magistrate, 3rd Court
Md. Suman Bhuiyan,Metropolitan Magistrate ,1st court
Umme Habiba,Metropolitan Magistrate, 3rd Court