Dhaka: The state-run National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO) has provided legal assistance free of charge to 13,03,643 individuals, recovering over Tk 293 crore as compensation for victims from 2009 to September this year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the latest report, available on the NLASO webpage, reveals that over 4.91 lakh cases were resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms during both pre- and post-case phases. Among those benefiting from the free legal service, 132,417 were incarcerated individuals.
NLASO extends support through its Supreme Court legal aid office, various district offices, two dedicated cells in Dhaka and Chattogram, and helpline call centers aimed at assisting impoverished individuals. The report highlights that the Supreme Court legal aid office has served 29,791 people, while legal aid offices in 64 districts have assisted 10,52,686 people without charge.
The dedicated legal assistance cells in Dhaka and Chattogram provided 29,673 legal consultations to impoverished individuals during the reported period. Additionally, the NLASO toll-free helpline offered free services to 1,91,493 people.
Initially, NLASO's services targeted poor and insolvent individuals at the district level. The organization later expanded its reach by establishing an office at the Supreme Court and two dedicated cells for workers in the capital and the southeastern port city. The toll-free number for accessing NLASO's services is 16430.