DHAKA : Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman today called for reforming the Bangladesh Bar Council to make the legal profession more attractive to the next generation by enhancing lawyers' skills, training and professional standards.

He made the call while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a new sub-branch of Dhaka Bank at the Bangladesh Bar Council building in Ramna this evening.

He said lawyers, like professionals in other fields, need institutional training and that an initiative has been taken to allocate Tk 50 crore this year for their training, which may be increased gradually.

"After receiving a certificate, a lawyer mainly gains experience by working with a senior. Alongside this experience, an effective training system under the Bar Council is needed to further refine professional skills and knowledge," he said.

The minister said initiatives have also been taken to ensure transparency in the Bar Council's financial activities through internal and external audits.

He said the government has entrusted the Bar Council with responsibility as an independent regulatory authority and pledged cooperation to strengthen the institution.

"There is no need to turn the Bar Council into a centre of political activities or corruption. Rather, it must be transformed into an institution combining education, merit, wisdom, hard work and professional skills," he said.

Bangladesh Bar Council Vice Chairman Senior Advocate Zainul Abedin MP, Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kajal, Supreme Court Senior Advocate Barrister Md Badruddoza Badal and Dhaka Bank Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker also spoke.