Justice for all to consolidate democratic journey: PM Tarique

Highlights:

• Tarique noted access to justice is key to democracy
• Article 27 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law for all
• No one should be denied justice due to poverty
• Legal aid is being expanded for those in need

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (28 April) said his government has taken steps to ensure access to justice for all, especially the financially disadvantaged, stressing that there is no alternative to establishing the rule of law to consolidate the country's renewed democratic journey.

"After more than a decade and a half of fascist rule, the people of Bangladesh have begun to walk once again on the path of democracy. To strengthen this democratic journey, there is no alternative to establishing the rule of justice in the country. This justice applies to everyone," he said.

The prime minister made the remarks while speaking at a programme arranged by the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry at the Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Centre, marking National Legal Aid Day.

He said the government believes that a country lacking the rule of law, justice, and human rights can never become a truly democratic and humane state.

In a democratic country, Tarique said, it is neither desirable nor acceptable for any citizen to be deprived of access to legal remedies or justice due to financial constraints.

Referring to constitutional provisions, he said Article 27 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law for all citizens, reflecting the spirit of Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The prime minister underscored that justice is a constitutional right of every citizen and reiterated that no one should be denied legal support or a fair trial due to poverty.

He said the government has continued its legal aid programmes to ensure that no individual is deprived of access to justice due to a lack of financial means.

"To ensure access to justice for those who are not financially capable, the government has adopted specific plans and measures," Tarique added.

Sharing his personal experience, Tarique said he had spent a long time in prison due to political vendetta, where he witnessed many underprivileged people remaining behind bars for years without trial simply because they could not afford legal assistance.

"Justice is the foundation of progress and peace in any state and society. People in every age have aspired to a discrimination-free system where they can live with dignity and have access to remedies," he said.

The prime minister said equality, compassion, and mutual trust are essential for establishing a justice-based society, adding that justice is not confined to courts or legal procedures alone but is a core value of a humane and responsible state.