M F Rahman
Dhaka, Apr 28:
National Legal Aid Day (NLAD) 2026 was inaugurated in Dhaka with a renewed focus on expanding access to justice through digital platforms. The event was jointly organized by the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid and UNDP Bangladesh under an EU-funded project titled “Accelerating Digital Legal Aid Services in Bangladesh.”
The initiative aims to improve access to justice for poor and marginalized communities by promoting services such as the national legal aid helpline 16699 and strengthening coordination among justice sector stakeholders.
The inaugural ceremony brought together senior government officials, judiciary representatives, development partners, and civil society members. It featured a documentary on legal aid services, testimonials from beneficiaries, and awards recognizing contributions to legal aid delivery.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said access to justice is a constitutional right and emphasized that no citizen should be deprived of justice due to financial constraints. Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman noted that legal aid is a practical pathway to ensuring justice for all.
EU Ambassador Michael Miller praised Bangladesh’s progress in strengthening the rule of law, while officials highlighted efforts to expand digital legal aid services nationwide.
A legal aid fair and public engagement programmes were also held to raise awareness and connect communities with available services.
