Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq on Saturday said increased awareness and the activation of the network of legal aid committees have contributed to significant increase in demand for services.
“From 1,473 monthly legal aid applications in 2012, the number was 2,877 in 2017. Client consultations organized by District Legal Aid Committees with JFA support indicated that justice seekers expect speedy dispute resolution,” he said at closing ceremony for USAID’s Justice for All (JFA) Programme in the city’s Radisson Blu Hotel.
Presided over by JFA’s Chief of Party Sharmeen Farouq, the ceremony was also addressed by USAID Mission Director Derrick Brown.
“Since 2012, the JFA has provided critical support and resources to strengthen the skills and capacity of these individuals. Over 2,600 judges, lawyers, legal aid officers and court staff from across the country participated in training programs, discussion meetings, and networking events,” Huq added.
The minister said as a result, the legal profession in Bangladesh is stronger or better equipped.
“This is not only an achievement for the judges, lawyers, and court staff but also a victory for the people of Bangladesh. A legal system that does not work for the people is one that does not work at all. For the justice system to meet citizen expectations, it must become more efficient,” the law minister said.
