National Legal Aid Services Day will be observed across the country on Friday with a view to ensuring the rule of law, fundamental human rights and justice for everyone.
On the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages wishing success of the day.
The President, in his message, said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had dreamt of building a democratic and prosperous country which would be free from all sorts of discrimination and established a strong judiciary system by enacting the Constitution in 1972.
"According to Article 27 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, all are equal before the law and all are entitled to equal protection of the law. In order to make this right a reality, the 'National Legal Aid Provision Act 2000' has been enacted," the message said.
Stating that the program of providing legal aid to poor people at government expense is a reflection of Bangabandhu's unique constitutional thoughts, the President hoped that the observance of National Legal Aid Services Day-2023 would be a success.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said that one of the main goals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was to establish the rule of law, basic human rights, political, economic and social equality, freedom and justice for all citizens.
"But after the assassination of Father of the Nation in 1975, the rule of law and basic human rights were destroyed. After '75, the BNP-Jamaat coalition government established a reign of terror, murder and torture to obstruct the path of justice. As a result, the people of the country were deprived of legal assistance and rights," she said.
"The Awami League government is working tirelessly to establish the rule of law and human rights. We have enacted the 'Legal Aid Act, 2000' to provide legal aid to litigants who are financially indigent, and unable to obtain justice due to various socio-economic reasons," the Premier said.
She said that the Legal Aid Offices are now not merely legal aid centers, as these centres have become Alternative Dispute Resolution Centers in order to reduce pending cases in courts across the country.
Hoping that with the combined efforts of all, the day will be able to make Bangladesh 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Bangabandhu, by ensuring good governance, she said, "We are working to achieve one of the goals of the SDGs, 'Access to Justice' by 2030, by ensuring safe lives and establishing justice through eliminating discrimination."
"Legal assistance programs undertaken by the incumbent government have an important role in achieving sustainable development goals, socio-economic development of the country and implementation of 'Vision 2041," Sheikh Hasina added.
To mark the day, several programmes have been made by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliament.
As part of the programme, a procession will be brought out tomorrow from the premises of the Directorate of Registration in the capital at 10am.
Secretary of Law and Justice Department Mohammad Golam Sarwar will join the rally to be participated by officers and employees of different offices, organizations, and institutions under the Law and Judiciary Department, said the release.
Various programs including discussions, meetings, legal aid fairs, publication and distribution of magazines, souvenirs and wallpapers have been organized at the district levels.
To mark the day, the 'National Legal Aid Organization' has released a report containing statistics on activities from 2009 to March 2023.
According to it, the total number of beneficiaries who received legal aid through the National Legal Aid Agency from 2009 to March 2023 is 8,79,929. The agency has provided legal advice to 3,53,656 people during its tenure.
During the same period, the agency disposed of 82,588 disputes/cases through the (Alternative Dispute Resolution) ADR system and recovered Taka 134.91 crores in favor of the aggrieved parties.
Thus, the National Legal Aid Agency has established itself as a place of trust for the poor and helpless litigants, the release further added.
