Call to ensure legal aid services to poors for easy access to justice

FE Team | Published: March 20, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

RAJSHAHI, Mar 19 (BSS): Speakers at a discussion here Thursday underscored the need for concerted efforts of all government and non-government organisations to provide greater access to justice to the poor, marginalised and socially excluded communities everywhere in the society.
They viewed infusing dynamism into the legal aid services could be an effective means of attaining the cherished goal. Only the judiciary or any other single organisation is not capable of ensuring legal aid to the underprivileged people but a comprehensive effort is essential in this regard. Responsive media role is also important for achieving the goal.
The observations came at a day-long case referral workshop with the members of legal aid committee held at Paba Upazila Parishad Complex conference hall.
Light House Consortium organised the event in association with Community Legal Services and UKIAD where more than 40 public representatives, government and non-government officials concerned and other stakeholders attended.
Upazila Parishad Chairman Prof Mokbul Hossain addressed the programme as chief guest with UNO Kaisarul Islam in the chair.
Light House Team Leader Nicolus Biswash and Project Officers Siddiqul Alam Mamun and Rashida Khatun, Agriculture Officer Saleh Ahmed, Social Service Officer Abu Taher and Education Officer Saiful Islam also spoke.
The discussants observed that entire people are equal to the eye of law so emphasis should be given on bringing all the victimised people under the legal aid coverage whatever and whenever they need.
Giving priority to the legal aid- related cases is very important in terms of speedy disposal in the greater interest of the distressed and poor justice-seeker litigants.
The judges, lawyers, police and others concerned should have to work together along with service-oriented zeal as the government is committed to providing legal aid services to the poor and distressed victims free of cost, they opined.
Importance should be given on bringing close coordination between the works of all the development organisations and judiciary alongside building a network to earn positive result in this regard.