The Bangladesh government has announced a major expansion of its case resolution capacity, increasing from 35,000 to 200,000 cases annually in a bid to streamline legal proceedings and enhance access to justice.
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, in his televised address on Friday, revealed that the Law and Justice Division has committed to scaling up the legal aid program significantly within the next two months.
This move aims to reduce case backlog, accelerate justice delivery, and strengthen the rule of law nationwide.
To prevent frivolous or malicious lawsuits, courts will now have the power to dismiss cases without valid grounds within 48 hours, ensuring judicial resources are focused on meritorious claims.
Dr Yunus also highlighted that the Law and Justice Division has already enacted 33 critical recommendations from the Judicial Reform Commission.
“We have begun implementing transformative changes across our legal system,” he said.
Among the most significant measures is the amendment and restructuring of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, now fully consistent with international standards for prosecuting war crimes.
In a first for Bangladesh, the newly formulated Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance, 2025 introduces a public-notice system for filling Supreme Court vacancies.
“For the first time in our history, candidates for the nation’s highest bench will be invited to apply publicly, ensuring greater transparency and meritocracy,” Dr Yunus explained.
To tackle chronic delays in civil litigation, the government amended the Code of Civil Procedure, eliminating the requirement for plaintiffs to attend daily hearings.
“Each civil case used to drag on for months — sometimes years,” Dr Yunus noted.
“With remote filings and streamlined procedures, we expect to halve the time needed to resolve civil disputes.”
The Women and Children Repression Prevention Act has also been strengthened.
The amendments broaden definitions of violence, introduce tougher penalties for offenders, and mandate faster case handling, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens.
Addressing long-standing calls from expatriate Bangladeshis, Dr Yunus announced revisions to the Power of Attorney Regulations.
Under the new rules, overseas Bangladeshis possessing an old passport with a “No Visa Required” sticker — or holding a birth certificate — can execute powers of attorney remotely.
“No longer will our citizens abroad depend on middlemen or face bureaucratic delays,” he said.
