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Published : 28 Apr 2026, 04:07 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said establishing the rule of justice is the only way to consolidate the nation’s democratic journey.
Addressing a discussion on Tuesday, he noted that a country lacking the rule of law, justice, and human rights can never truly become a democratic or humane state.
Tarique added that after the end of a decade and a half of “fascist” rule, the people of Bangladesh have begun walking the path of democracy once more, and establishing justice is essential to sustain this progress.
The premier stressed that justice must be universal, ensuring that no individual is deprived of legal access due to a lack of funds.
According to him, the government has adopted specific strategies to bridge the gap for the financially insolvent, aiming to prevent victims from being unable to secure legal representation.
The discussion, organised by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, was held at the Shahid Abu Sayed International Convention Centre in Shahbagh to mark National Legal Aid Day.
Outlining his administration's vision, the prime minister argued that justice should not be confined to law books but must become a tangible reality for every citizen.
He described equity as a living value that should be reflected in every state policy and institutional action.
In his view, fairness carries weight only when the law serves as a moral commitment to protect human dignity rather than acting as a mechanical tool.
Tarique highlighted that since access to the judiciary is a constitutional right, the government will provide comprehensive legal aid to help citizens exercise that right, with necessary regulatory amendments already in place.
During the event, he presented awards to Sayem Khan of Dhaka and Nilima Biswas of Rajshahi as the best panel lawyers.
In addition, BRAC was honoured for its Social Empowerment and Legal Protection (SELP) programme, with Executive Director Asif Saleh receiving the prize.
Reflecting on the efficiency of the legal aid system, the prime minister recalled the adage "justice delayed is justice denied”.
He explained that the government is prioritising pre-trial mediation to resolve disputes before they reach the courtroom. This shift has already allowed thousands of disputes to be settled quickly and at a minimal cost.
Tarique said in many cases, issues were resolved through a few meetings instead of dragging on for years, effectively reducing the optics of a backlogged judiciary and cutting state expenditure.
He pointed out that minor friction often spirals into complex legal battles because people lack initial guidance, leading to a loss of faith in the system.
The BNP chief expressed hope that the government's legal aid helpline would act as a vital first point of contact for legal counsel.
He said citizens must feel the state has their back, with legal aid serving as the ultimate reflection of that trust.
The premier reiterated that the current administration views access to justice as a fundamental right, calling it unacceptable for any citizen to be deprived of a fair hearing due to poverty.
Drawing from his personal history, he mentioned his own lengthy incarceration due to “political vendettas”.
During that period, he witnessed firsthand how inmates remained behind bars for years without trial simply because they could not afford a lawyer.
He described such scenarios as a failure of a democratic state.
Justice is the bedrock of progress and social peace, he said, recalling that the proclaimer of independence, late president Ziaur Rahman, established the foundation for equity by restoring judicial independence -- a legacy later advanced by former prime minister Khaleda Zia through the creation of legal aid firms.
