Dhaka: The National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO) has extended free legal support to 1,28,086 prison inmates over the past 16 years, as announced by the state-run legal aid agency today. This significant contribution highlights NLASO's efforts in facilitating legal aid to those in need.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a recent report published on NLASO's website indicates that the total number of service recipients from the organization during this period reached 12,26,019. Initially, NLASO's services were confined to district levels. However, they have since expanded to include the Supreme Court Legal Aid Office and Workers Legal Aid Cells in Dhaka and Chattogram. Additionally, they offer free helpline advice through the number 16430 and operate across 64 districts.
The beneficiaries of NLASO's services are categorized into several groups: 29,138 received aid from the Supreme Court Legal Aid Office, 9,78,992 from 64 District Legal Aid Offices, 29,331 from Dhaka and Chattogram Workers Assistant Cells, and 1,88,528 from the central toll-free call center. The organization's legal support initiatives began in 2000 under a newly enacted law targeting poor and insolvent prisoners.
NLASO operates under the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, focusing on aiding the poor and financially challenged individuals in the country.