Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today emphasized that mediation should be the preferred method for resolving disputes, with the exception of cognizable offences. 'Mediation is one of the dream programs of the government of Bangladesh to ensure justice to the poor, displaced and disadvantaged people of the country, to those who do not have any ability to afford any expensive legal services from expensive lawyers. Mediation should be the best option, the best part for resolving any kind of dispute, except cognizable offenses,' he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the "Basic Mediation Training for Legal Professionals." The event was part of the Development of Mediation and Civil Litigation Practices for Enhancement of Access to Justice Project, jointly implemented by the Law and Justice Division and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka.
Describing mediation as a win-win solution, the law minister urged legal aid officers and mediators to apply their judgment in resolving disputes. He highlighted the importance of using mediation as a tool to significantly reduce the backlog of over 4.5 million pending cases in the courts, emphasizing its potential to transform the justice system in Bangladesh.
The minister also announced an incentive for mediators, stating that the best-performing mediators will have the opportunity to receive advanced training in Japan, selecting one male and one female mediator each year. This initiative aims to motivate mediators to excel in their roles.
The event was graced by JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Junko Takahashi, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department of Japan's Ministry of Justice Kazunori Nose, and Director General of the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid Md Monjurul Hossain as special guests. The programme was chaired by Project Director and Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division Md Khademul Quayes.
The training program saw participation from 40 individuals, including District Legal Aid Officers and lawyers from District Judge Courts nationwide. It was led by Professor Masako Miyatake from Keio University Law School, Japan, who served as the lead resource person for the intensive two-day training session.