We want to take legal profession to a new height: Law minister
The government has initiated a Tk50 crore allocation for lawyers’ training this year and plans to strengthen financial transparency at the Bar Council.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said the government wants to take the country's legal profession to a new height by reforming the Bangladesh Bar Council, improving lawyers' professional skills and ensuring greater transparency in its activities.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new Dhaka Bank sub-branch at the Bangladesh Bar Council building in Ramna today (18 August), he said the profession should be developed in a way that encourages the next generation to pursue law as a career.
The minister said institutional training for lawyers needs greater attention, noting that the government has initiated a Tk50 crore allocation for lawyers' training this year. The allocation could be increased gradually, he added.
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"Like other professionals, lawyers also need institutional training," he said.
He noted that while government officials and judges receive formal training, lawyers largely gain experience by working under senior practitioners after obtaining their certificates. A stronger institutional training system is therefore needed to improve their professional skills and knowledge.
The minister also stressed greater transparency in the Bar Council's activities, saying both internal and external audits are being introduced to strengthen financial accountability.
The government will work with the Bar Council to strengthen the legal profession, he said, adding that the council should not become a centre of political activity or corruption.
Instead, it should be built around education, merit, wisdom, hard work and professional competence, he said.
Referring to the banking sector, Asaduzzaman criticised delays in loan disbursement despite borrowers meeting required conditions.
He also called for action against those who allegedly launder money abroad after taking bank loans, while cautioning against measures that could trigger allegations of political retaliation.
The minister further highlighted the legal risks faced by junior bank officials who act on instructions from senior officials and later become involved in cases over financial irregularities.
He expressed hope that the current Bar Council leadership would help transform the institution into an attractive destination for law students and young lawyers.
