Govt to appoint 3 judges instead of 1 at each legal office to expand services: Asif Nazrul
The government plans to appoint three judges instead of one at each legal aid office to ensure broader access to legal assistance and ease the burden on courts, said Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul today (9 November).
"Legal aid activities are being expanded to reduce burden on the courts. To ensure that everyone has access to legal assistance, initiatives are underway to appoint three judges instead of one at [district] legal aid offices," Asif said after inspecting the activities of the Rajshahi District Legal Aid Office.
"For this purpose, 12 legal aid offices across the country have been selected under a pilot project," the adviser said, after attending a views-exchange on expanding legal aid services.
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On the judges' appointment in certain courts, he said the initiative would reduce case backlogs.
"We are taking various initiatives for court reform, and the public will certainly benefit from them," he said.
On the issue of granting bail, the law adviser said it does not depend solely on judges.
"It also depends on what report the police submit. Exceptions occur when video footage or audio evidence is available," he added.
Those who are eligible for bail should be able to obtain it, he said, adding, "However, if those released on bail might commit similar offences again, disturb law and order, or operate under banned organisations, we will be concerned if too many such individuals are granted bail."
Responding to a query on the upcoming elections, Asif said there is no issue that could delay it.
"The national election will certainly be held. All necessary steps will be taken to ensure a festive environment," he added.
"Political parties make various statements to put pressure on each other and on us [the advisers]. Some of what they say may be true, but such remarks sometimes create public concern about the election."
He added, "There hasn't been an election for 16-17 years, so naturally there is some anxiety among people. Around five crore people have never voted before. This election is very important to them.
"The people are eagerly waiting for the election, and enthusiasm has already grown among them."
