Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government has taken specific plans to ensure access to justice for financially insolvent people, stressing that legal protection should not depend on a person’s financial capacity.
He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural function of National Legal Aid Day 2026 at Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in the capital.
Highlighting that access to justice is a constitutional right, the Prime Minister referred to Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and equal protection for all citizens. He noted that this principle is also reflected in Article 7 of the United Nations declaration.
He said the government believes every citizen has the right to justice and that it is not acceptable in a democratic state for anyone to be deprived of legal protection due to financial hardship.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Among those present were Law Minister Md Asaduzzman, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, and Director General of the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid Md Monjurul Hossain. The Prime Minister’s daughter, Zaima Rahman, was also present.
Sharing his personal experience, Tarique Rahman said he had spent a long time in prison due to political reasons and witnessed many inmates remaining jailed for years without trial because of financial constraints.
He emphasized that justice is the foundation of peace and progress, and that a society based on equality, trust, and compassion is essential. Justice, he said, is not only a matter of courts but a core value of a humane and responsible state.
The Prime Minister said that after many years, the country has returned to a democratic path, and establishing the rule of justice is essential to sustaining this progress.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to legal aid programmes so that no one is deprived of justice due to financial limitations. He added that efforts are underway to ensure victims can access legal support even if they cannot afford a lawyer.
He also noted that amendments have been made to relevant laws to strengthen legal aid and highlighted the introduction of mediation to resolve disputes quickly and at low cost before they reach courts.
According to him, thousands of disputes have already been settled through this system within a short time, reducing pressure on courts and lowering government expenses.
He said lack of timely legal advice often escalates minor disputes, and therefore legal aid services must play a more effective role.
Calling on citizens to trust the system, the Prime Minister said the state must stand beside people in times of need and that legal aid should reflect that trust. He urged collective efforts to build a just and humane state where justice prevails.
At the event, Sayem Khan of Dhaka and Neelima Biswas of Rajshahi received awards as best panel lawyers. The NGO BRAC’s Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Program Cell was also recognized for its role in expanding legal aid services nationwide. BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh received a certificate of honor and crest from the Prime Minister.
