Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today emphasized the critical public service responsibility carried out by paralegals, stating that their role extends beyond mere professional duties. "Paralegals are playing a vital role in ensuring access to justice by taking legal rights awareness and legal services to people's doorsteps," he remarked during the inauguration ceremony of the Friendship Community Paralegal Training Manual held at a city hotel this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the newly introduced manual was collaboratively developed by the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid (DBLA) and Friendship, a social purpose organization. The law minister shared his personal experience of working as a paralegal before his legal career, highlighting the firsthand understanding he gained regarding the importance of paralegals.
Md Asaduzzaman underscored the significant impact paralegals have in raising awareness about people's rights and providing essential legal information and services to those in need. He praised Friendship's initiatives aimed at enhancing rights awareness among marginalized communities, recognizing them as some of the country's finest efforts. Such initiatives, he noted, are crucial in ensuring public access to justice.
The event was chaired by Friendship founder and executive director Runa Khan. Notable attendees included Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division Khadem Ul Kayes, Director General of the DBLA Md Monjurul Hossain, and Friendship Senior Director and Head of the Inclusive Citizenship Department Ayesha Tasin Khan.
During the program, it was highlighted that the Friendship Community Paralegal Training Manual is designed to enhance the skills of grassroots-level paralegals, expand legal awareness, and ensure access to justice. The manual will serve as a practical training guide for paralegals working at the field level.