Call to strengthen village courts for grassroots justice in Rajshahi
Speakers at a meeting here today urged for strengthening village court activities to ensure quick, cost-effective and easy access to justice for rural populations. They emphasized that village courts play a crucial role in reducing the burden of cases on higher courts by resolving minor civil and criminal disputes locally. The district administration organized the half-yearly coordination meeting, titled "Review of Progress and Way Forward of Village Court Activities at District Level," at the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) conference room under the 'Bangladesh Village Court Activation (Third Phase)' project.
Rajshahi DC Kazi Shahidul Islam attended the event as the chief guest, with Deputy Director of the Local Government Branch (additional charge) Md. Mohinul Hasan in the chair. DC Shahidul Islam noted that active village courts ensure justice reaches the doorsteps of ordinary people, particularly women, ethnic minorities, and disadvantaged communities. He stressed that the properly executed verdicts of these courts are essential to maintaining local law and order.
Presenting the progress report, Md. Mohinul Hasan informed the meeting that village court activities are currently operational across 72 unions in nine upazilas of Rajshahi district. From February 2024 to April 2026, a total of 9,220 cases were filed in the district, including 8,449 direct filings with Union Parishads and 771 cases referred by the district court. Out of these, 9,042 cases have already been resolved, leaving only 208 cases pending. The applicants included 6,528 men and 2,692 women, with 2,334 women successfully securing justice through these proceedings.
The program was conducted by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Nurul Absar Sabuj, while District Project Manager Md. Lutfor Rahman screened a video documentary showcasing the experiences of village court beneficiaries. At the conclusion of the event, performance awards were distributed to three upazilas and eight unions for their outstanding success in executing village court activities. Durgapur Upazila secured the first position, followed by Bagmara and Puthia upazilas in second and third places, respectively. The awarded Union Parishads include Gobindapara, Nimpada, Baneshwar, Parila, Deluabari, Naopara, Talanda and Deopara.
