Why are laws not being executed fully?

Bangladesh has no shortage of laws. On paper, the country has built a strong legal framework to guide justice, governance, and citizens' rights. But in practice, the story is very different. The real challenge lies not in writing laws but in making sure they are applied fairly and consistently.
One of the biggest barriers is weak enforcement. Many institutions responsible for upholding the law face political pressure, lack of resources, or internal corruption. When decisions depend on influence instead of integrity, justice becomes selective and people lose trust in the system.
Corruption remains another deep-rooted problem. From small favours to large-scale misuse of power, these practices make it easier for some to escape accountability while others suffer unfairly. When wrongdoing goes unpunished, the message spreads: breaking the law has no real consequence.
The slow pace of justice often wears people down, testing their faith in the system.
Court cases can take years, sometimes decades, to resolve. For many, the wait feels endless and justice delayed often becomes justice denied. As a result, people turn to informal or personal ways to settle disputes, further weakening the formal justice system.
Another quiet issue is lack of awareness. Many citizens do not fully know their rights or how to use legal channels. This lack of legal literacy gives more space for misuse of power, especially in rural or marginalised areas. When ordinary people don't feel empowered by the law, the rule of law itself loses strength.
The result is uneven enforcement strict for some, flexible for others. Laws may be applied rigorously in certain cases to show progress, but ignored in others where influence or politics interfere. Over time, this inconsistency breeds inequality and public frustration.
Bangladesh doesn't need more laws; it needs stronger implementation.
That means independent institutions, accountable leadership, and a justice system that is accessible to everyone, not just the powerful.
The rule of law must move beyond words in books to actions in real life. Only then can justice truly serve every citizen.

Sangida Jahan Ripa
Student
North South University
sangida.ripa@northsouth.edu