A Correspondent:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday said that his government has taken specific plans to ensure “access to justice” for financially insolvent people.
“The government has taken specific plans to ensure ‘access to justice’ for financially insolvent people,” he said while addressing the inaugural function of the “National Legal Aid Day-2026” programs at Sha-heed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in the city yesterday.
Noting that access to justice is a constitutional right of the people, the Prime Minister said, “According to Article 27 of the Constitution, all citizens are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection, which reflects Article 7 of the United Nations declaration”.
The present government believes access to justice is the right of every citizen, he said, adding, it is not desirable in a democratic state for any citizen to be deprived of access to legal protection or justice due to financial constraints.
The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry organized the event while Law Minister Md Asaduzzman, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller and Director General of the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid Md Monjurul Hossain took part in the discussion.
Prime Minister’s daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman was present at the function, among others.
Sharing his personal experience while serving in jail, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman said, “I also had to remain in prison for a long time due to political vengeance. There were many inmates at that time who were forced to stay in prison for years without trial due to financial hardship”.
Stating that justice is the foundation of progress and peace in any state and society, he said, “People in every age have aspired for a discrimination-free system, guarantee of living with equal rights and digni-ty. Mutual trust, compassion and equality are essential for a justice based society”.
“Let’s build a just and humane state together where justice will be the final word,” Tarique Rahman said.
At the event, Sayem Khan of Dhaka and Neelima Biswas of Rajshahi received crests and awards from the Prime Minister as the best panel lawyers.
Besides, the non-government organization ‘Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Program Cell of BRAC’ was nominated to advance the activities of Legal Aid across the country.
BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh also received a certificate of honor and crest from the Prime Min-ister.
