Dhaka: The government has undertaken a series of short and long-term measures to reduce the backlog of cases and ensure their speedy disposal across the country, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman told Parliament on Thursday. He stated that amendments to key procedural laws have already been passed in the current session of parliament to modernise judicial processes.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister addressed a starred tabled question from Noakhali-1 lawmaker AM Mahbub Uddin, highlighting that the Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2026, introduced provisions for serving summons through SMS and voice calls. This amendment also allows for the submission of complaints and written statements via affidavit and direct cross-examination. Furthermore, execution applications can now be filed within the original cases, eliminating the need for separate execution suits.
The legislation aims to reduce unnecessary delays by simplifying procedures, including bypassing proclamation and attachment processes for absconding accused in certain cases and introducing digital methods for summons service. The minister also mentioned that testimonies of investigation officials, doctors, and magistrates recording confessions are now being taken online under the Information Technology Act, 2020, enabling faster trials without requiring the physical presence of witnesses.
To manage the workload, separate judicial magistrate courts have been designated, allowing magistrates to focus more on trial proceedings. A total of 871 courts and 232 judgeships have already been created, with plans underway to create 304 additional judges posts. Recruitment of 150 civil judges and over 1,200 judicial staff is also in progress.
Md. Asaduzzaman noted that mediation has been made mandatory in selected disputes through the Legal Aid Services (Amendment) Act, 2026, before filing cases in courts, significantly reducing litigation in pilot districts. Free legal aid services have been expanded, including a hotline (16699), online services, and support for expatriates.
The minister shared that infrastructure development is ongoing, with plans to construct chief judicial magistrate court buildings in 23 districts and expand facilities in others. Digital initiatives such as e-bail bond management, operational in 16 districts, e-family courts in Dhaka and Chattogram, and fully online cause lists have improved transparency and efficiency.
Additionally, information and service centers have been established in all district judge and chief judicial magistrate court premises to assist litigants. Projects like digital marriage and divorce registration and a comprehensive ‘e-Judiciary’ system are also in progress to digitize judicial operations fully.
Reforms to the Bangladesh Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Order, 1972, are underway to improve the quality of legal professionals. The minister expressed optimism that these coordinated measures will gradually reduce the case backlog and ensure faster, transparent, and cost-effective justice delivery for citizens.