Expressing concern over the rapid surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain has said judges and lawyers need not wear black coats and gowns to participate in court proceedings amid the ongoing situation.

The coronavirus infection is growing as the health guidelines are not being followed properly, he observed today.

All the lawyers, court officials and staff members and others concerned must be conscious and they must wear masks and follow the health guidelines strictly during court proceedings in order to prevent Covid-19 infection, he said.

The chief justice said this today while presiding over a bench of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court to run the judicial functions virtually.

Earlier yesterday, the chief justice asked the judges and lawyers concerned to wear white shirts and sarees and neck bands during court proceedings.

The Supreme Court administration has issued separate notifications containing the chief justice's directives.

Deputy Attorney General Samarendranath Biswas confirmed the developments to The Daily Star.