BRAC, NLASO host consultation to strengthen legal aid delivery

Effective and sustained collaboration between government and non-government actors is critical for delivering accessible, inclusive and humane legal aid to marginalised and disadvantaged communities, speakers asserted at a national consultation in Dhaka.

Speakers identified persistent gaps in information sharing, monitoring, service referrals, coordinated planning and joint implementation among stakeholders, and emphasised the need to address these to enhance the effectiveness of legal aid services.

The consultation, titled 'Coordinated Initiatives in Legal Aid: Responsibilities and Implementation Strategies', was held at BRAC Centre, Mohakhali, Dhaka, on Saturday, 23 May 2026, according to a press release.

The event was jointly organised by the National Legal Aid Services Organisation (NLASO) and BRAC's Social Empowerment and Legal Protection programme.

Md Asaduzzaman, MP, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, speaking as chief guest, said the government is working to ensure access to justice for every citizen.

He noted that both government and non-government partners share the objective of delivering legal aid services directly to poor and vulnerable people.

The minister reported that approximately 4.5 million cases are pending before the courts. Of those eligible for settlement through mediation, 80% can be resolved in a single day, and the remaining 20% within two to three days.

He emphasised that identifying cases suitable for mediation, and resolving 50,000 such cases within three months, could significantly improve the backlog.

He projected that meaningful change could be achieved within two years through these initiatives.

He added that the government is prioritising mediation both before and after cases are filed, and called for joint awareness campaigns by government and non-government institutions.

The minister urged stakeholders to submit grassroots-level recommendations on challenges and potential solutions, highlighting the need for stronger and sustained institutional coordination.

He said the government would review proposals requiring legal amendments.

He also stressed the importance of including legal aid issues in educational curricula to build awareness among students.

In response to questions regarding a recent child rape and murder case in Pallabi, Dhaka, the minister said the government would take all necessary measures to ensure swift conclusion of the case.

Zeba Amina Khan, MP, Reserved Women's Seat, Bangladesh National Parliament, stressed the need for united action against violence against women, child marriage and social discrimination.

She also called for awareness campaigns and broader social initiatives.

Md Khadem Ul Qayes, Secretary (Routine Charge), Law and Justice Division, attended as special guest.

He said a robust referral mechanism and an integrated common database are essential for effective oversight, coordination and service delivery.

He further emphasised the need for greater information exchange, coordinated initiatives and integrated implementation structures at district and sub-district levels.

Chairing the meeting, Md Monjurul Hossain, Director General, National Legal Aid Services Organisation, said joint partnerships between government and non-government organisations are critical for delivering legal aid services at the grassroots.

He highlighted the need for coordination with the Department of Social Services to ensure safe homes, protection and rehabilitation for survivors.

He called on all stakeholders to work collectively towards an inclusive and sustainable legal aid system.

Shashwatee Biplob, Associate Director, BRAC Social Empowerment and Legal Protection and Gender Justice and Diversity Programme, delivered the welcome address.

She stated that empowering marginalised and vulnerable communities, ensuring legal aid and promoting social justice are core objectives of the Legal Aid Services Act.

Highlighting the positive impact of the Legal Aid Services Act 2000 (amended), she called for strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

She further underscored the importance of raising awareness, learning from field-level experiences and building a safe and inclusive society.

A T M Morshed Alam, Lead, Legal Aid and Policy Advocacy, BRAC, moderated the session.

Representatives from government, development partners, national and international NGOs, civil society and other stakeholders participated in the meeting.

Discussions focused on expanding inclusive legal aid services for women, children, persons with disabilities, working-class communities, the Hijra community, prisoners, migrant families, climate-vulnerable groups and people in remote areas.

Participants also addressed digital legal aid services, online dispute resolution, pre-case mediation and integrated implementation at district and sub-district levels.

The organisers expressed hope that the consultation would further strengthen partnerships between government and non-government initiatives, and support the development of a sustainable and coordinated framework to ensure justice-based services reach people nationwide.