UNDP, EU sign a deal to modernise legal aid services in Bangladesh

To improve access to justice for Bangladesh's most vulnerable, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh signed an agreement today, May 15, 2025, to accelerate the digitisation of legal aid services across the country.

 The agreement was signed at the European Union Delegation office in Dhaka by Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh's resident representative, and Michael Miller, the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh.

This partnership aims to expedite, enhance, and make legal aid more accessible and inclusive by leveraging digital platforms and community outreach. The initiative will introduce an integrated legal aid system that includes mobile-based applications, online case tracking, and virtual mediation, enabling citizens in remote and marginalised areas to access legal services without physically visiting courts.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in making justice more accessible for all," said Stefan Liller. "Aligned closely with the ongoing justice sector reforms that UNDP and the EU are currently supporting, it builds upon our long-standing partnership in strengthening Village Courts, which already play a crucial role in resolving local disputes and serving rural communities. We are expanding access to justice by ensuring that traditional and digital systems reach those most in need of them."

The project will initially be piloted in eight districts, reaching more than 680,000 disadvantaged individuals. It will focus on ensuring that services are available online and inclusive, gender-responsive, and tailored to users with limited digital literacy.

 EU Ambassador Michael Miller said, "This agreement reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between the Government of Bangladesh, the European Union, and UNDP to improve access to justice for all. Whether through Village Courts or new digital innovations, our joint efforts are helping to build a justice system that is more efficient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people, especially the most marginalised."

 The Government of Bangladesh, through the National Legal Aid Services Organisation (NLASO), will implement the initiative in partnership with UNDP and the EU. The collaboration aligns with the country's 8th Five-Year Plan and supports the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

 This initiative will also introduce a unified digital platform for legal services, accessible via phone, SMS, and online portals. This will reduce the burden on courts, enhance transparency, and foster public trust in the justice system.