Mandatory mediation move aims to ease court backlog, says Ctg judge

Senior District and Sessions Judge Md Hemayet Uddin has described the government's move to make alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mandatory in certain cases as a "turning point" in tackling the overwhelming backlog in Bangladesh's courts.

Speaking at a workshop at the Fatikchhari Sub-Court this afternoon (22 October), he highlighted the challenges facing the justice system, with millions of pending cases causing years-long delays. 

"Our courts are overburdened. Mandatory ADR will help settle disputes quickly and relieve pressure on the judiciary," he said.

The workshop, titled "Expanding ADR to Reduce Case Backlog: The Role of Legal Aid Offices", was organised by the Fatikchhari Sub-Court Legal Aid Committee at the local lawyers' association auditorium.

Judge Hemayet, who also chairs the Chattogram District Legal Aid Committee, explained that under forthcoming legal amendments, certain civil and criminal cases will require mediation through the Legal Aid Office before being filed in court. Only if the ADR process fails will litigants be allowed to proceed with formal cases.

"This change will prevent unnecessary litigation, reduce costs, and deliver justice faster," he said. "It's a bold, long-awaited step toward strengthening the rule of law and protecting citizens' legal rights."

According to the law ministry, Bangladesh's courts are burdened with more than 4.5 million pending cases, many of which involve minor disputes that could be resolved through negotiation or mediation. Legal aid offices nationwide are being strengthened as centres for out-of-court settlements to alleviate this pressure.

Judge Hemayet noted that ADR under the legal aid framework has already helped poor and marginalised citizens resolve disputes more efficiently. "Legal Aid ADR is no longer just about providing legal assistance — it's a practical mechanism for conflict resolution," he added.

Chief Legal Aid Officer (Judge) Rupan Kumar Das, who presented the keynote, said the government is finalising an ordinance to make pre-trial ADR mandatory for cases listed under a specific schedule. "If parties fail to reach an agreement through mediation, only then can they file a case with a certificate from the Legal Aid Office," he said.

Speakers at the event emphasised that this system will reduce the number of new cases entering the courts and allow judges to focus on complex matters requiring judicial intervention.

The workshop was presided over by Senior Assistant Judge Shuvadeep Pal and attended by Administrative Tribunal Judge Faisal Atik Bin Kader, Additional District Judges Saud Hasan and Md Abdul Halim, Senior Assistant Judge Arfatul Rakib, and local lawyers' association leaders. Representatives from government offices, NGOs, and civil society also participated.

The event concluded with the inauguration of a new Legal Aid Corner at the Fatikchhari Sub-Court and an inspection of court activities.