Govt Aims to Cut 40% Case Backlog Through Legal Aid: Asif

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul today announced that the government is working to reduce the case backlog in courts by 40 percent through enhanced legal aid services.

"Approximately five lakh cases are filed each year in the country, with around 35,000 being resolved through government legal aid. If we can increase this figure to two lakh, it will significantly reduce the caseload by about 40 percent," he stated. Dr. Nazrul highlighted the plan to make it mandatory for cases involving family matters, minor compoundable criminal offenses, and issues under the Negotiable Instruments Act to first be directed to government legal aid offices. If resolution is not achieved there, parties can then approach the courts.

Dr. Nazrul, also the chairman of the National Governing Board of the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO), shared these remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration of National Legal Aid Day 2025 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

He emphasized that the government's efforts aim to reduce judicial delays, save time, and lower legal costs. "We have already initiated reforms to streamline judicial procedures, including amendments to the civil procedure code. We are working on issues such as hearings via affidavit, execution cases, and summons issuance. Additionally, comprehensive amendments to the criminal procedure code are expected within the next month," he said.

The adviser underscored the critical role of legal aid in resolving disputes. "We are thinking innovatively and ambitiously about legal aid. Meetings have been held with service providers and officials to advance this sector," Dr. Nazrul added.

Addressing the shortage of judges to assist legal aid organizations, he revealed plans to increase the number of judges in district legal aid offices to three per office. “We have many retired district and sessions judges who are still competent and possess valuable experience. We are considering bringing them into the fold to enhance legal aid services," he explained.

Dr. Nazrul expressed confidence that within six months, legal aid offices would be capable of handling one lakh cases annually, with plans to scale up to two lakh cases in the following year.

The inaugural function was conducted by NLASO Assistant Director (monitoring) Arifa Chowdhury Himel and was attended by German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Tröster, Supreme Court Registrar General Dr. Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan, Barrister Sara Hossain of BLAST, judges, judicial officers, diplomats, and other key officials.

At the event, Dr. Nazrul inaugurated a legal aid fair and roadshow, attended by Law and Justice Division Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher and NLASO Director Syed Azad Subhani.

The slogan for National Legal Aid Day was "There is no joy in conflict, compromise brother, legal aid is by your side, no worries," as the day was observed nationwide to ensure the rule of law, fundamental human rights, and justice for all. Various activities, including discussions, legal aid fairs, and distribution of magazines, posters, and souvenirs, were organized across districts.