Chattogram: Speakers at a discussion here today laid emphasis on standing beside the insolvent vulnerable litigants to ensure their fundamental rights in getting justice timely and equally like well-off segments of the society. They came up with the call at the discussion organized by District Legal Aid Committee in connection with the National Legal Aid Day-2025 at the conference room of the Chattogram District Judge’s Court.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was presided over by Chairman of the District Legal Aid Committee and Senior District and Sessions Judge Md. Nurul Islam. Chattogram District judgeship, Magistracy, and District Legal Aid Committee took elaborate programmes, including discussion meetings, processions, legal aid fairs, and blood donation, marking the event with the central theme ‘There is no joy in conflict, do compromise – legal aid is beside you, do not worry’.
During his speech, Nurul Islam emphasized that the core aim of providing legal aid services at government expense is to ensure justice for distressed and helpless victims as granted by the constitution. He highlighted the government’s determination to implement such rights and underscored the importance of legal aid in establishing the rule of law and justice. Nurul Islam also advocated for promoting free legal advice and outside court dispute settlements through negotiation to avoid delays and reduce costs for availing justice.
Creating public awareness and widespread publicity among commoners about the government’s efforts and opportunities through free legal services were identified as crucial for the successful implementation of legal aid programmes. The convener of the committee to observe Legal Aid Day, Chief Judicial Magistrate Kazi Shahidul Islam, delivered the welcome speech, while District Legal Aid Officer (Senior Assistant Judge) Rupon Kumar Das presented a special report on legal aid programs and activities.
The event saw participation from Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kazi Mizanur Rahman, District Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, President of the District Bar Association Advocate Abdus Sattar, General Secretary Advocate Md. Hasan Ali Chowdhury, ELMA CEO Jasmine Sultana Paru, additional district judges, judicial magistrates, public prosecutors, and lawyers, among others. Notably, Advocate Ashrafi Binte Motaleb was nominated as the district’s best panel lawyer for her outstanding performances in providing legal aid services.