National Legal Aid Day was observed across te county on Tuesday with the aim of reaching vulnerable communities, particularly women and low-income groups, who often struggle with legal costs, distance and lack of awareness about legal services.
The Law and Justice Division has taken various programmes to mark the day with due importance.
Authorities concerned have been asked to ensure adequate security arrangements and extend support at district and thana levels for displaying posters and banners, as well as making public announcements through miking.
In Rajshahi, speakers at a discussion have called for further strengthening legal aid activities to ensure justice for insolvent people at government expense.
To mark the day, various day-long programmes were organised by the Rajshahi District Legal Aid Committee and different government and non-government organisations.
The programme began in the morning with a rally under the theme ‘Disputes resolved at government expense, Bangladesh first.’
The rally started from the District and Sessions Judge Court premises, circled the DC Office intersection, and ended at the court premises.
Judges, lawyers, government law officers, panel lawyers, beneficiaries and people from different professions participated.
After the rally, the District Legal Aid Committee held a discussion with Senior District and Sessions Judge AHM Mahmudur Rahman in the chair.
At the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid said concerned authorities must play a responsible role in maintaining public trust in the justice system.
In Chittagong, the day was marked through a colourful rally, a legal aid fair and a discussion meeting held at the premises of the District Judge's Court, jointly organised by the District Legal Aid Committee.
The programme was attended by Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, senior government officials, judges, journalists, beneficiaries and other dignitaries.
Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Hasanul Islam attended the discussion as chief guest, while District and Sessions Judge (Acting) Muhammad Abdul Halim, also President of the District Legal Aid Committee presided over the session.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest said the government has undertaken various initiatives to strengthen legal aid services and make them more accessible to citizens.
In Sylhet, to mark the day, the Sylhet District Legal Aid Committee brought out a colourful procession in the city in the morning. The day’s programmes also included a discussion meeting, Legal Aid Fair, blood donation programme, and award distribution ceremony for the best panel lawyers.
Sylhet District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Erfan Ullah presided over the discussion meeting, where members of the District Legal Aid Committee were present.
In Takurgaon, the District Legal Aid Committee observed its programme with due formalities at the Judge Court premises in the morning, inaugurated by District and Sessions Judge Jamal Hossain through ribbon-cutting and balloon release.
A rally was later brought out from the court premises and paraded through the main roads of the town before ending at the same venue. The day’s events also included a legal aid fair, voluntary blood donation programme, free eye screening, distribution of Best Panel Lawyer awards, cultural performances, and a discussion session.
The meeting was chaired by District and Sessions Judge Jamal Hossain and attended by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, Public Prosecutor Advocate Abdul Hamid, District Bar Association President Yusuf Ali, and Legal Aid Officer Majnu Miah, among others.
