Dhaka:Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has called for the institutionalisation of paralegal services through coordinated efforts by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide legal assistance to marginalised and disadvantaged communities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the need for consensus on guidelines and an action plan to offer clear direction for future initiatives aimed at enhancing access to justice. He highlighted the role of paralegals in easing the burden on courts and prisons, asserting that institutionalisation would make legal assistance more accessible to those in need.
The minister's remarks were made at the international conference titled "Paralegal Advisory Services (PAS) for Advancing People-Centred Justice" held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. He expressed gratitude to the German government, the European Union, and GIZ for their support, noting the importance of their continued cooperation in the initiative.
The conference aimed to discuss the development of guidelines and an action plan for paralegal services, focusing on formal recognition, government-NGO partnerships, skills development, service quality standards, and sustainable financing. It was jointly organized by the Law and Justice Division and the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid, with participation from senior government officials, judiciary representatives, legal aid workers, civil society, and development partners.
Notable speakers included Mr. Michal Krejza, Head of Cooperation of the European Union delegation to Bangladesh, and German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz. Experts from Malawi, the Philippines, and Kyrgyzstan also shared insights from their countries' experiences in integrating paralegal services into their justice systems.